Variable and centrifugal flywheel and centrifugal clutch

ABSTRACT

A flywheel is attached to a shaft of a turbine. As the shaft rotates, the flywheel swings outwards away from the shaft and regulates the angular velocity of the rotating shaft. In an embodiment, there are multiple flywheels attached to the shaft. In another embodiment there is a first flywheel that controls a second flywheel. In another embodiment, the flywheel has adjustable or centrifugal displacement of counterbalanced masses for effective rotational diameter with effective rotational balance. In another embodiment, a small pilot centrifugal displacement flywheel may control a clutch by rotational velocity and may include a hysteresis control. An example of a clutch may limit that degree to which the arms of the flywheel may be extended and/or retracted. In another embodiment, a small pilot centrifugal displacement flywheel controls the hysteresis of a centrifugal flywheel displacement.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/702,106, entitled “Variable and Centrifugal Flywheel andCentrifugal Clutch,” filed Feb. 8, 2010, by Douglas P. Arduini, which isa continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/079,489,now U.S. Pat. No. 7,843,077, entitled “Pulsed Energy Transfer,” filedMar. 27, 2008, by Douglas P. Arduini, which claims benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/930,599, entitled “Pulsed EnergyTransfer,” filed May 16, 2007, by Douglas Arduini, all of which areincorporated herein by reference.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/136,039, now U.S. Pat. No.8,522,466, entitled “Low Force Rolling Trigger,” filed Jul. 20, 2011, byDouglas P. Arduini, is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This specification relates to controlling turbines.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter discussed in the background section should not beassumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in thebackground section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the backgroundsection or associated with the subject matter of the background sectionshould not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the priorart. The subject matter in the background section merely representsdifferent approaches, which in and of themselves may also be inventions.

Currently, wind turbines need to be shut down during high winds, becauseoperating the turbine in high winds may damage the turbine as a resultof the high speed at which the turbine rotates in the high winds.Similarly, other types of turbines can be improved.

Currently there is a need for stabilizing turbine speeds. Currentlythere is a need for adjusting the rotational energy of turbines andflywheels for various input energy, output energy, and stored energyneeds including improved efficiency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the following drawings like reference numbers are used to refer tolike elements. Although the following figures depict various examples ofthe invention, the invention is not limited to the examples depicted inthe figures.

FIG. 1A shows a diagram of an embodiment of generator system having oneor more flywheels.

FIG. 1B shows a diagram of an embodiment of generator system having oneor more flywheels.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show cross sections of an assembly that may be used in thegenerator systems of FIG. 1 having an embodiment of a turbine shafthaving a flywheel.

FIG. 4 shows a cross section along the length of a portion of theturbine shaft of FIGS. 2 and 3 that may be used in the generator systemsof FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 shows a top view of an embodiment of a portion of turbine shaftof FIGS. 2 and 3 .

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an embodiment of a portion of turbine that may beused in the generator systems of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 8 and 9 show an embodiment of a clutch control that may becontrolled by the flywheel in FIGS. 6 and 7 .

FIGS. 10 and 11A show a portion of a turbine shaft assembly with anotherembodiment of a flywheel that may be controlled by the clutch control ofFIGS. 8 and 9 .

FIG. 11B shows the combination of flywheel of FIGS. 6 and 7 connected tocontrol the clutch control of FIGS. 8 and 9 , which in turn is connectedto control the flywheel of FIGS. 10 and 11A.

FIG. 11C shows a representation of an embodiment of a portion of theflywheel

FIG. 11D shows a representation of another embodiment of a portion ofthe flywheel.

FIG. 12 shows a graph of the angular rotation as a function of time.

FIG. 13 shows a graph that plots when the clutch is connected anddisconnected.

FIG. 14 shows a graph that plots when the turbine of FIGS. 10 and 11Acharges and discharges.

FIG. 15 shows a graph that plots when the turbine of FIGS. 10 and 11Astores and dissipates energy.

FIG. 16A shows an embodiment of an assembly that may be used in thegenerator system of FIG. 1 having two flywheels.

FIG. 16B shows an embodiment of an assembly that may be used in thegenerator system of FIG. 1 in which the flywheel is covered.

FIG. 17A shows a table of the change in energy as the rotationalvelocity increases, but with a constant flywheel displacement.

FIG. 17B shows a table of the change in energy as the rotationalvelocity increases with a changing flywheel displacement.

FIG. 18 shows a table of power densities of various configurations ofturbines.

FIG. 19 shows a table of power density output of various turbineconfigurations.

FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of operating theassembly of FIGS. 6-11B.

FIG. 21 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of using theassembly of FIGS. 6-11B.

FIG. 22 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a pulsed generator.

FIG. 23 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a pulsed generatorhaving a control switch for a magnetic field.

FIG. 24 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a pulsed generatorhaving a control switch for an energy converter.

FIG. 25 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a pulsed generatorhaving a flow condensing funnel.

FIG. 26 shows a flowchart of an example of a method of assembling apulsed generator system.

FIG. 27 shows a flowchart of an example of a method of using a pulsedgenerator system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although various embodiments of the invention may have been motivated byvarious deficiencies with the prior art, which may be discussed oralluded to in one or more places in the specification, the embodimentsof the invention do not necessarily address any of these deficiencies.In other words, different embodiments of the invention may addressdifferent deficiencies that may be discussed in the specification. Someembodiments may only partially address some deficiencies or just onedeficiency that may be discussed in the specification, and someembodiments may not address any of these deficiencies.

In general, at the beginning of the discussion of each of FIGS. 1-19 isa brief description of each element, which may have no more than thename of each of the elements in the particular figure that is beingdiscussed. After the brief description of each element, each element ofFIGS. 1-21 is further discussed in numerical order. In general, each ofFIGS. 1-21 is discussed in numerical order, and the elements withinFIGS. 1-21 are also usually discussed in numerical order to facilitateeasily locating the discussion of a particular element. Nonetheless,there is not necessarily any one location where all of the informationof any element of FIGS. 1-21 is located. Unique information about anyparticular element or any other aspect of any of FIGS. 1-21 may be foundin, or implied by, any part of the specification.

In an embodiment, the moment of inertia is changed to slow down theturbine in high winds or other flow. In an embodiment, the changing ofthe centrifugal force as a result of the increasing and/or decreasing ofthe rotational velocity of the turbine shaft speed controls theactivation (of the release) and deactivation (of the release or theengagement) of a clutch to a movable mass. In this way, some energy maybe stored or released as rotational kinetic energy. In situations wherethe energy input is fixed (e.g., the fluid velocity is relativelyconstant) the displacement of the masses may be adjustably controlled tocontrol speed of rotation of the shaft of the turbine.

A method to reset the adjustable flywheel may use a control arm from acontrolled or centrifugal clutch or other mechanism. A one-way gear witha mechanical reset may control the hysteresis of the flywheel'seffective rotational diameter and the flywheel's velocity.

The kinetic energy of a turbine is given by

${E_{rotation} = {\frac{{Iw}^{2}}{2} = \frac{{kmr}^{2}w^{2}}{2}}},$where

w is the angular velocity,

I is the moment of inertia of the mass about the center of rotation(which may be referred to as the mass moment of inertia or angularmass), which is given by I=k m r², and where

k is inertial constant (that depends on shape of the mass),

m is the mass, and

r is the perpendicular distance of the outer perimeter of the mass tothe axis of rotation for objects having a center of mass located on theaxis of rotation and is the perpendicular distance from the axis of tothe center of mass for objects having a center of mass that is not onthe axis of rotation.

The angular velocity is defined by w=(dΦ/dt)=(dx/dt)/r, where

dΦ is angular change of the position of the mass,

dx is displacement of the mass in the direction of rotation,

dt is change in time during which the change in angle dΦ or change inposition dx occur. The velocity dx/dt is sometimes referred to as thetangential velocity of an element moving tangential to the direction ofrotation. As an aside, the conversion factor between revolutions perminute and the angular velocity in radians per second is given byrpm=w60/(2π)=9.55w.

It can be seen that, using the clutch, the effective radius r at whichthe extra masses rotate may be varied with or without increasing w,which may be used for controlling the speed of the rotational velocityand rotational kinetic energy of the turbine.

A hysteresis effect may be induced by a controlling clutch, which istriggered by the centrifugal forces of the rotating turbine and which,in turn, controls the displacement of masses, thereby changing theeffective flywheel diameter causing the moment of inertia to change. Theclutch may facilitate a low or limited amount of energy to accumulate asstored kinetic energy, which may be used to regulate the transfer ofenergy to a load.

The clutch gives some control over the conversion of energy fromrotational energy to electrical energy. The clutch is a mechanicalautomatic control mechanisms for the turbine, which may improve turbineenergy storage and energy transfer. The clutch also provides automaticmechanical hysteresis for improved energy storage and transfer. Acentrifugal control of the flywheel displacement may be accomplished viathe centrifugal clutch. In an embodiment, the masses may have anaerodynamic shape for lift assisted displacement with speed.

Included within the scope of this specification is a variable flywheelthat is adjustable and/or controlled by centrifugal forces. The variableflywheel may include a simple mechanical flywheel that is rotationallybalanced. The variable flywheel may include a simple mechanicalhysteresis in which the displacement of the flywheel increases withrotational speed, which may include a one-way gear to maintaindisplacement until reset with a release trigger at some desired lowerrotational speed. The variable flywheel may include a simple mechanicalpilot variable flywheel (which may be smaller than another majorflywheel) to control the On/Off levels of the displacement of a majorflywheel. The assembly having the pilot and major flywheel may include acentrifugal clutch, a hysteresis mechanism, and/or a hysteresis releasetrigger. The variable flywheel may include a motor or other powercontrol to control the displacement of the flywheel based on fluidconditions, stored energy, speed, or other criteria.

The specification also includes applications of the variable flywheel,such as for storing energy for a pulsed energy transfer. The pulsedenergy transfer may include a low or constant power input duringincreasing displacements of the flywheel and/or during increasing speedsof rotation. The pulsed energy transfer may allow a low power motor orturbine, for example, to rev up the rotational velocity, via smalldisplacements and/or with small amounts of resistance, storing theenergy in small increments. Thereby incremental increase in velocity mayallow for an overall greater displacement and greater amount of energystorage while the angular velocity is increasing, because turbineefficiency increases with higher velocity fluid flows until the velocityat which optimum efficiency is reached and turbines usually operate andbelow the velocity at which they achieve maximum efficiency. Theapplications of the variable flywheel and centrifugal clutch may includeusing the flywheel for variable storage of energy on a power turbine.The variable flywheel and/or centrifugal clutch change the angularvelocity (and/or energy required) from mode of storing the input powerflow (or maintaining the power stored)—while also producing power—to amode of outputting or transferring the power stored. The applicationsmay also include using a flywheel to control a clutch, transducer,and/or other mechanism by displacements of the flywheel due tocentrifugal forces.

The specification also includes a centrifugal clutch, which may includea simple mechanical speed control method with a small pilot variableflywheel. The centrifugal clutch may include a mechanical method ofcontrolling hysteresis. The centrifugal clutch may include a motorand/or other power control that is programmed to control the engagementof the clutch based on fluid conditions.

Turbine with Flywheel Assembly

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an embodiment of generator system 100.Generator system 100 includes electrical load 102, converter 104,turbine shaft 108, flywheel 110, and blades 112. In other embodiments,pulsed energy transfer system 100 may not have all of the componentslisted above or may have other components instead of and/or in additionto those listed above.

Generator system 100 may convert the energy of the flow of a fluid(e.g., air, water, gas, or another fluid) into electrical energy.Generator system 100 may be capable of converting fluid flow intoelectricity in conditions where the flow rate of a fluid is too low forconverting fluid flow into electricity without generator system 100, bypulsing (e.g., periodically engaging and disengaging) an energyconverter so that the energy converter converts the energy only duringcertain periods of time, which may be brief in duration and may occurfrequently in succession and may be continuous. In an embodiment,generator system 100 may store rotational energy at low-flow conditionswhile disconnected from an electrical load, and then be connected totransfer energy to an electrical load. In the specification, the term“low-flow” refers to conditions wherein the flow of moving fluid isinsufficient for overcoming resistive force, such as static and kineticfriction, drag on the turbine blades, and resistive forces resultingfrom Lenz's law and from electrical load 102. Consequently, in suchconditions the components are unable to generate usable energyefficiently or are unable to generate usable energy at all. Further, theterm “hi-flow” refers to conditions wherein the flow of moving fluid issufficient for overcoming the static friction and drag acting on thecomponents, and in which the components are able to generating usableenergy.

Electrical load 102 may represent a consumption of power associated withdevices or structures that receive electrical energy from generatorsystem 100. For example, electrical load 102 may be one or moreelectrical appliances, a series of batteries that receive and storeenergy for future use, a home wired to receive generated energy, or aportion of an electrical grid that transmits power to general consumers.Alternatively, the turbine may be connected to a mechanical load, suchas a machine, mill, pump, waterwheel, saw, grinder, and/or elevator.

Energy converter 104 may convert mechanical energy into useful energy,such as electrical energy, and transfer the usable energy into work orin the case of electrical energy, the electrical energy may betransferred to electrical load 102. For example, energy converter 104may be a generator, alternator, inverter, or combination thereof. In anembodiment, energy converter 104 may receive kinetic energy generated bythe rotation of a fan, turbine, or other device capable of producingmechanical energy from the flow of moving fluids. Energy converter 104may convert received energy into electrical energy, and transfer theelectrical energy to electrical load 102. Alternatively, a mechanicalload, such as mill or water pump, may replace energy converter 104.

Turbine shaft 108 may receive and transfer rotational energy. In anembodiment, a fluid causes the blades to turn, which causes turbineshaft 108 to turn. Flywheel 110 extends away from or moves inward towardturbine shaft 108, thereby increasing or decreasing the moment ofinertia of the turbine shaft 108 regulating the rotational velocity ofturbine shaft 108, which in turn regulates the power output of energyconverter 104 or the energy transmitted to a mechanical load.

Blades 112 may receive the flow of a moving fluid (e.g., air, water,gas) to generate mechanical energy. In an embodiment, blades 112 may beany of a plurality of bladed devices capable of utilizing the kineticenergy of a moving fluid.

Perpendicular Flywheel

FIGS. 2 and 3 show cross sections of an assembly having an embodiment ofturbine shaft 200 having a flywheel, which may be used for thecombination of turbine shaft 108 and flywheel 110. FIGS. 2 and 3 includeturbine shaft 200, which may include core 201, flywheel arms 204,weights 206 (which may be referred to as counter balance weights),return springs 208, and shaft shell 210. FIGS. 2 and 3 also showdirectional arrows 212. In other embodiments, the assembly of FIGS. 2and 3 may not have all of the components listed above or may have othercomponents instead of and/or in addition to those listed above.

Turbine shaft 200 is turned by fluid flowing passed the blades (notshown in FIG. 2 ) connected to the shaft, such as blades 112 (FIG. 1 ).Core 201 supports the springs that pull the flywheel arms inward. Core201 is rigidly attached to the outer shell of turbine shaft 200.

Flywheel arms 204 are pivotally attached to the outer shell of turbineshaft 200 (e.g., via pins or hinges), so that as turbine shaft 200rotates the centrifugal force tends to push flywheel arms 204 outwards.Weights 206 are masses that increase the moment of inertia of turbineshaft 200. Weights 206 are located towards the ends of flywheel arms204, so that as flywheel arms 204 extend counter balance weights aredisplaced further away from turbine shaft 200 causing a greater increasein the moment of inertia of turbine shaft 200 than were weights 206 notpresent or were the weights 206 further from the outer ends of flywheelarms 204 (which is attached to turbine shaft 200).

Return springs 208 are each attached to core 201 and flywheel arms 204.Return springs 208 pulls flywheel arms 204 toward core 201, therebypulling flywheel arms 204 toward turbine shaft 200.

Shaft shell 210 is the outer shell of the turbine shaft 200. Flywheelarms 204 are mounted to shaft shell 210. Core 201 is rigidly attached toshaft shell 210, such that shaft shell 210 is concentric to core 201.

Arrows 212 show the direction of rotation of turbine shaft 200. Therelative size of arrows 212 is indicative of the relative angularvelocity of turbine shaft 200. In FIG. 1 , arrows 212 are smaller thanin FIG. 2 , which indicates that turbine 100 rotates slower in FIG. 1than in FIG. 2 . In FIG. 1 , turbine shaft 200 rotates at a slow enoughangular velocity so that the centrifugal force pulling flywheel arms 204outward is not large enough to overcome the inward force of returnspring 208, and pull flywheel arms 204 off of turbine shaft 200 againstthe inward pull of return springs 208. In contrast in FIG. 2 , turbineshaft 200 is spinning fast enough so that flywheel arms 204 are pulledoff turbine shaft 200 despite the inward pull of return springs 208.More accurately, as a result of the angular velocity of the flywheelshaft in FIG. 2 , the extended position of flywheel arm 102 is the pointof equilibrium at which the centrifugal force on flywheel arms 204 isequal to the inward force of return springs 208 (in FIG. 2 the extendedposition of flywheel 204 is the position in which the flywheel arms 204extend off turbine shaft 200).

FIG. 4 shows a cross section 400 along the length of a portion ofturbine shaft 200. FIG. 4 shows core 201, flywheel arms 204, weights206, return spring 208, shaft shell 210, posts 402, and cavity 404. Inother embodiments, cross section 400 may not have all of the componentslisted above or may have other components instead of and/or in additionto those listed above.

Core 201, flywheel arms 204, weights 206, return spring 208, and shaftshell 210 were discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 3 , above.Posts 402 rigidly attach core 201 to shaft shell 210, so that core 201can support springs 208. Cavity 404 is the space within shaft shell 210where core 201 and posts 402 are located.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of turbineshaft 200. FIG. 5 shows turbine shaft 200, which may include core 201,flywheel arms 204, weights 206, and shaft shell 210. In otherembodiments, the portion of turbine shaft of FIG. 5 may not have all ofthe components listed above or may have other components instead ofand/or in addition to those listed above.

The perspective view of FIG. 5 clarifies some of the structural andfunctional details an embodiment of turbine shaft 200, which may includecore 201, flywheel arms 204, weights 206, and shaft shell 210. FIG. 5also clarifies aspects of the manner in which an embodiment of turbineshaft 200, which may include core 201, flywheel arms 204, weights 206,and shaft shell 210 interact with one another. Core 201 is illustratedin phantom, because core 201 is hidden from view.

An Assembly in which One Flywheel Controls Another

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a flywheel mechanism that is connected to a clutchthat is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , which in turn is connected to anotherflywheel shown in FIGS. 10 and 11A, among other things. The flywheel inFIGS. 6 and 7 , via the clutch of FIGS. 8 and 9 , controls the flywheelin FIGS. 10 and 11A. In the paragraphs below, each of FIGS. 6-11B arediscussed in their numerical order, and consequently first the flywheelof FIGS. 6 and 7 is discussed, next the clutch of FIGS. 7 and 8 arediscussed, and then the flywheel of FIGS. 10 and 11A is discussed. Thefunction of the entire assembly is discussed in FIG. 11B. Afterdiscussing FIGS. 6-11B in their numerical order the manner in which thetwo flywheels and the clutch will be discussed. Alternatively, theflywheel of FIGS. 6 and 7 could be used by itself or as part of a dualflywheel system, such as the dual flywheel system of FIG. 16A, withoutthe velocity clutch. The embodiment of FIGS. 2-5 is different than theembodiment of FIGS. 6-11B, and the differences will be discussed inconjunction with FIGS. 6 and 7 , below.

Control Flywheel

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an embodiment of a portion of turbine 600. Turbine600 may include turbine shaft 601 having first flywheel 602, which mayinclude lever 604, velocity control arm 606, weights 608, shaft cavity610, return spring 612, shell shaft 614, pivot bearing 616, flywheel arm618, arrows 620, arrows 622, and direction of swing 624. In otherembodiments, the portion of turbine shaft 601 of FIGS. 6 and 7 may nothave all of the components listed above or may have other componentsinstead of and/or in addition to those listed above.

Turbine shaft 601, weights 608, return spring 612, shaft shell 614,flywheel arms 618, and arrows 622 are similar to turbine shaft 200,weights 206, shaft shell 210, flywheel arms 204, and arrows 212,respectively, which were described above in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and3 (arrows 212, 620, and 622 may be referred to as arrows of rotation).However, flywheel arms 618 lie in a direction that is parallel to thedirection of turbine shaft 601, while in contrast flywheel arms 204 areperpendicular to turbine shaft 200.

Lever 604 is perpendicular to, and moves with, the flywheel arm 618. Inan embodiment, shaft cavity 610 supports one end of return springs 612.Return spring 610 pulls on shaft sell 614 while pulling flywheel arm 618inwards, thereby pulling flywheel arm 618 towards shaft shell 614 andtherefore towards shaft 601. In an embodiment, return spring 612 isattached to the exterior of shaft 601. In another embodiment, returnspring 612 is mounted to the interior side of shaft shell 614, andreturn spring 601 is located within shaft cavity 610.

Velocity control arm 606 moves back and forth in response to the motionflywheel arms 618. As flywheel arm 618 rotates, level 604 rotates withflywheel 618, which pushes velocity control arm 606 backwards orforwards (depending the direction of swing of the flywheel arms 618).When one of flywheel arms 618 moves upward, the corresponding one ofvelocity control arms 606 moves to the left in FIGS. 6 and 7 , and whenone of flywheel arms 618 moves downward, the corresponding one ofvelocity control arms 618 moves to the right in FIGS. 6 and 7 . Velocitycontrol arms 606 will be discussed further below in FIGS. 8 and 10 .Pivot bearing 616 is the bearing upon which flywheel arm 618 pivots.Another pivot bearing may “pivotably” connect lever 604 to velocitycontrol arms 606 (that is, the pivot bearing is connected to level 604in a manner such that the pivot bearing is capable of pivoting orrotating). The words, “pivotably” and “pivotally” may be interchangedfor one another anywhere in the specification.

The comparison between FIGS. 6 and 7 is similar to that of thecomparison between FIGS. 2 and 3 . Specifically, in FIG. 6 , arrows 622are smaller than in FIG. 7 , which indicates that turbine 600 rotatesslower in FIG. 6 than in FIG. 7 . In FIG. 6 , turbine shaft 601 rotatesat slow enough angular velocity so that the centrifugal force pullingflywheel arms 618 outward is not large enough to overcome the inwardforce of return spring 612, and pull flywheel arms 618 off of turbineshaft 601 against the inward pull of return springs 612. In contrast inFIG. 7 , turbine shaft 601 is spinning fast enough so that flywheel arms618 are pulled off turbine shaft 601 despite the inward pull of returnsprings 612. More accurately, as a result of the angular velocity of theflywheel shaft in FIG. 7 , the extended position of flywheel arm 618 (inFIG. 7 in which the flywheel arms 618 extend off turbine shaft 601) isthe point of equilibrium at which the centrifugal force on flywheel arms618 is equal to the inward force of return springs 612.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 , lever 604, velocitycontrol arm 606, weights 608, shaft cavity 610, return spring 612, shellshaft 614, pivot bearing 616, and flywheel arm 618 are located exteriorto shaft 601, and cavity 610 is optional (because in this embodimentcavity 610 is not necessary for holding any of the lever 604, velocitycontrol arm 606, weights 608, shaft cavity 610, return spring 612, shellshaft 614, pivot bearing 616, and flywheel arm 618, which may be locatedexterior to shaft 601 and cavity 610). In another embodiment, returnspring 612 is located within cavity 610. In another embodiment, pivotbearing 616, lever 604, and velocity control arms 618 are located withincavity 610 in addition to, or instead of, return spring 612. Similarly,flywheel arms 618 may be located on the exterior or the interior ofshaft 601. In an embodiment, lever 604 and velocity control arm 606 arenot present, and the flywheel assembly of FIGS. 6 and 7 functionsindependently of any other flywheels (if there are any).

Arrows 620 (similar to arrows 622) show the direction of rotation ofturbine shaft 601, but (in contrast to arrows 622) the size of arrows620 does not indicate anything. Direction of swing 624 shows thedirection in which flywheel arm 618 swings outwards while the rotationalvelocity increases.

Clutch Control

FIGS. 8 and 9 show an embodiment of a clutch control 800. FIG. 8 showsclutch control 800, which includes clutch control arm 802, two-positionlever 804, cam 806, lever 808, spring 810, and velocity control arm 812.FIG. 8 also shows arrows 814 and 816. In other embodiments, clutchcontrol 800 may not have all of the components listed above or may haveother components instead of and/or in addition to those listed above.

Clutch control arm 802 causes a clutch to be released or engaged. Whenclutch control arm 802 is moved to the left in FIG. 8 , the clutch isengaged and when clutch control arm moves to the right in FIG. 8 theclutch is released.

Two-position lever 804 is a lever that has two stable positions.Two-position lever 804 in connected to, and moves, clutch control arm802 to the left and the right engaging and releasing the clutch. In anembodiment, two-position lever 804 has two lobes that protrude from oneend. In an embodiment, a portion between the two lobes that connects thetwo lobes is straight, and between the two lobes another lever may beplaced to push against the one of the two lobes.

Cam 806 rests against two-position lever 804. When cam 806 is moved, cam806 pushes two-portion lever 804 from one position to the other stableposition of two-position lever 804.

Lever 808 holds cam 806 at one end of lever 808. Lever 808 is pivotallymounted, and as lever 808 pivots cam 806 is moved from a first positionto a second position (which in turn pushes two-position lever 804 from afirst position to a second position).

Spring 810 pulls a bottom portion of two-position lever 804 upward. As aresult, initially, two-position level 804 is held in a first position byspring 810 pulling upward on the bottom portion of two-position lever804, which pushes first a lobe of two-position lever 804 into a firstside of cam 806. When cam 806 is moved, cam 806 pushes the first lobe oftwo-position lever 804 away from the first side of cam 806 against thepull of spring 810, which causes spring 810 to stretch. In anembodiment, spring 810 is stretched the furthest when two-position lever804 is symmetrically positioned with respect to spring 810, over thecenter of two-position lever 804, having half or two-position lever 804on one side of spring 810 and half of two-position spring on the otherside of two-position lever 804 and when spring 810 covers the pivot thatsupports two-position lever 804. In other words, the center positionbetween the two positions is the point where the spring is over thecenter, and the two-position lever switches positions between two stablepositions, which creates hysteresis. Once cam 806 pushes two-positionlever 804 past the middle of two-position lever 804, the upward pull ofspring 810 pushes the second lobe of two-position lever 804 into thesecond side of cam 806, so that now spring 810 holds two-position lever804 in the second position in which the second lobe of two-positionlever rests on the second side of cam 804.

Velocity control arm 812 may be the other part of velocity control arm606 (in which case FIG. 8 shows one end of the velocity control arm andFIG. 6 shows the other end). Velocity arm 812 pulls or pushes the top oflever 808 to the left or right in FIG. 8 as velocity arm moves towardsthe left or right of FIG. 8 . The movement of velocity arm 812 causestwo-position lever 804 two toggle between the two stable positions oftwo-position lever 804.

Arrow 814 shows the direction of movement of velocity arm 812, and arrow816 shows the direction of movement of clutch control arm 802. Arrows814 and 816 point in the same direction, because velocity arm 812 andclutch control arm 802 move in the same direction.

FIG. 8 differs from FIG. 9 in that FIG. 8 shows the state of clutchduring low velocity flow. When flywheel arm 618 (FIGS. 6 and 7 ) fallsto a position parallel to shaft 601 (as shown in FIG. 6 ), velocitycontrol arm 612 moves in the direction that arrows 814 and 816 arepointed in FIG. 8 . FIG. 9 shows the state of clutch during highvelocity flow. When flywheel arm 618 (FIGS. 6 and 7 ) rises, as shown inFIG. 7 , velocity control arm 612 moves in the direction that arrows 814and 816 are pointed in FIG. 9 .

The assembly of FIGS. 8 and 9 has two stable equilibrium states, and theassembly tends to switch or toggle between those states, which creates ahysteresis in the behavior of the assembly of FIGS. 8 and 9 .

Flywheel with Clutch

FIGS. 10 and 11A show a portion of a turbine shaft assembly 1000 withanother embodiment of a flywheel. FIGS. 10 and 11A include arrow 1002,clutch control arm 1004, cable link 1006, compression spring 1007,rollers 1008 a-c, trigger cavity 1010, rolling trigger 1012, pin 1014,teeth 1015, disc 1016, gear 1018, and flywheel 1018. In otherembodiments, the portion of turbine shaft assembly 1000 of FIGS. 10 and11A may not have all of the components listed above or may have othercomponents instead of and/or in addition to those listed above.

Arrow 1002 shows the direction of movement of a clutch control arm.Arrow 1002 faces in a different direction in FIGS. 10 and 11A toindicate that the clutch control arm moves in a different direction inFIGS. 10 and 11A. Clutch control arm 1004 may be the other end of clutchcontrol arm 802 (FIG. 8 ), which moves in the same direction as velocitycontrol arm 606 (FIG. 6 ). However, in order for clutch control arm 1006to be the same as clutch control arm 802 the components of FIGS. 10 and11A need to be arranged to form the mirror image of the assembly drawnin FIGS. 10 and 11A, or the components of FIGS. 6-9 need to be arrangedto form the mirror image of the assembly drawn in FIGS. 6-9 .

Cable link 1006 is a flexible link to clutch control arm 1002. Whenclutch control arm 1002 moves towards the flywheel of FIGS. 10 and 11A,cable link 1006 becomes slack and may sag (as shown in FIG. 10 ). Whenclutch control arm 1002 moves away from the flywheel of FIGS. 10 and11A, cable link 1006 becomes taut (as shown in FIG. 11 ).

Compression spring 1007 pushes a pin towards the flywheel of FIGS. 10and 11A. Rollers 1008 a-c allow a trigger to roll back and forth.Rolling trigger 1010 rolls on rollers 1008 a-c. Rolling trigger 1010 ispushed towards the flywheel of FIGS. 10 and 11A by compression spring1007, and is connected to cable link 1006 (e.g., cable link 1006 mayconnect directly to rolling trigger 1010 or may connect to rollingtrigger 1010 via pin that always stick out of the trigger housing). Whencable link 1006 is pulled away from the flywheel of FIGS. 10 and 11A,cable link pulls rolling trigger 1010 against the force of compressionspring 1007. Rolling trigger cavity 1012 may be the rolling triggerhousing that houses rolling trigger 1010 and compression spring 1007.Rolling trigger 1010 rolls within rolling trigger housing 1012, viarollers 1008 a-c. Compression spring 1007 pushes rolling trigger 1010 bypushing on rolling trigger cavity 1012.

Any of the details related to the rolling trigger of application Ser.No. 13/136,039, entitled “Low Force Rolling Trigger,” may be included inthe details of the rolling trigger of the current application.

Pin 1014 is attached to rolling trigger 1010 and moves with rollingtrigger 1010. Teeth 1015 are teeth of a gear. In and embodiment teeth1015 are not symmetric, but are shaped when pin 1014 are stuck intoteeth 1015, the gear to which teeth 1015 is prevented from moving in onedirection, but is allowed to move in the other direction. In anembodiment, teeth 1015 have one side that is parallel to the radius ofthe gear and one side that is sloped with respect to the radius of thegear so as to slide past pin 1014. Disc 1016 is a disc to which teeth1015 are attached. Gear 1017 is the gear that is made up by teeth 1015and disc 1016. Pin 1014 is optional and stops gear 1017 from returningto its low velocity state in which Flywheel 1018 hugs the shaft of theturbine. Flywheel 1018 tends to rotate outwards as the shaft rotatesfaster. Despite pin 1014 being engaged in teeth 1015, as a result of theslopes on teeth 1015, pin 1014 slides or ratchets past teeth 1015 asflywheel 1018 swings outward. When turbine shaft 601 rotates fastenough, the flywheel of FIG. 6 pulls on the velocity control arm 606(FIG. 6 ), which in turn causes the assembly of FIGS. 8 and 9 to pull onclutch control arm 802 (FIGS. 8 and 9 ) or 1002 (FIGS. 10 and 11A),which pulls on cable link 1006, which pulls rolling trigger 1010 againstcompression spring 1007, and which in turn pulls pin 1014 out of teeth1015, allowing flywheel 1018 to return to its low velocity position.

Total Assembly

FIG. 11B shows a flywheel assembly 1120, which includes turbine shaft601, first flywheel 602, weights 608, shaft cavity 610, flywheel arm618, (FIGS. 6 and 7 ), clutch control 800, clutch control arm 802,two-position level 804, velocity control arm 812 (FIGS. 8 and 9 ), andturbine shaft assembly 1000, clutch control arm 1004, rolling trigger1012, teeth 1015, disc 1016, gear 1018, and flywheel 1018 (FIGS. 10 and11A), which were discussed above.

First flywheel 602 triggers clutch control 800 to change states, andclutch control 800 controls flywheel 1018 of turbine shaft assembly1000. When turbine shaft 601 rotates fast enough, flywheel 602 (of FIG.6 ) pulls on the velocity control arm 606 (FIG. 6 ), which in turncauses the assembly of FIGS. 8 and 9 to pull on clutch control arm 802(FIGS. 8 and 9 ) or 1002 (FIGS. 10 and 11A), which pulls on cable link1006, which pulls rolling trigger 1010 against compression spring 1007,and which in turn pulls pin 1014 out of teeth 1015, allowing flywheel1018 to return to its low velocity position. In an embodiment, flywheel602 is smaller than flywheel 1018, so that although flywheel 602controls flywheel 1018, the dominant shift in the moment of inertia isdue to flywheel 1018.

FIG. 11C shows a representation of an embodiment of a portion of theflywheel 1150 having weight 1152 and flywheel arm 1154. In otherembodiments, flywheel 1150 may not have all of the components listedabove or may have other components instead of and/or in addition tothose listed above.

Flywheel arm 1154 supports weight 1152. Weight 1152 may be solid.Flywheel arm 1154 differs from flywheel arm 1018 in that weight 1152 isa solid piece of material that is shaped like a section of a cylinder.The surface of weight 1152 may have the same shape as the surface ofshaft 601.

FIG. 11D shows a representation of another embodiment of a portion ofthe flywheel 1160, which has weight 1162, plate 1164, and flywheel arm1166. In other embodiments, flywheel 1160 may not have all of thecomponents listed above or may have other components instead of and/orin addition to those listed above.

Flywheel arm 1166 supports weight 1162 having plate 1164. Flywheel arm1166 is similar to flywheel arm 1018 in that weight 1162 and weight 1162are shaped such that weight 1162 has the same shape as the surface ofshaft 601. However, weight 1162 also includes a plate 1164 for extraweight. Any of the flywheels in this specification may use the flywheelsof FIGS. 11C and 11D or the flywheels illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 9 ,and/or 10 with or without a cavity in the shaft.

Graphs

FIG. 12 shows a graph 1200 of the angular rotation as a function oftime. Graph 1200 has displacement axis 1202, time axis 1204, energy axis1206, maximum displacement mark 1208, minimum displacement mark 1210 andplot 1212. In other embodiments, the system associated with graph 1200may not have all of the features listed above or may have other featuresinstead of and/or in addition to those listed above.

Graph 1200 is a graph of the angular velocity of turbine shaft 601 as aresult of a particular fluid flow. Displacement axis 1202 is the axisthat represents the displacement of the flywheel from turbine shaft 601,which may be in units of revolutions per minute. Higher positions ondisplacement axis 1202 represent larger displacements of flywheel arms618 for turbine shaft 601. Time axis 1204 is used to measure time.Points further to the right along axis 1204 are later in time. Energyaxis 1206 represents different amounts of energy stored in the rotationof the shaft of the turbine. Higher up on energy axis 1206 representhigher amounts of energy stored. The energy stored is the kinetic energyof turbine 600. Maximum displacement mark 1208 indicates the location onangular velocity axis 1202 that corresponds to the maximum velocityangular velocity reached by the turbine shaft 601, and minimumdisplacement mark 1210 indicates the location on displacement axis 1202that corresponds to the maximum displacement possible of flywheel arm618 from turbine shaft 601. Plot 1212 is the series of points that aredefined by a pairs of numbers in which one of the numbers of the pair isa displacement and the other number of the pair is time. Plot 1212represents the displacement of flywheel arm 618 that results from afluid flow having a kinetic energy that is proportional to plot 1212.

FIG. 13 shows graph 1300, which plots when the clutch is connected anddisconnected. Graph 1300 may include time axis 1204, disconnectedregions 1302, and connected regions 1304. In other embodiments, thesystem associated with graph 1300 may not have all of the featureslisted above or may have other features instead of and/or in addition tothose listed above.

Time axis 1204 was discussed in FIG. 12 above. Graph 1300 is a graph ofwhen the clutch of FIGS. 8 and 9 are connected and disconnected,disconnected region 1302, and connected region 1304. Graphs 1200 and1300 are lined up so that the time axes of both graphs are lined up andso that points that are horizontally above one another represent thesame value of time. As illustrated in FIG. 13 , the displacement offlywheel arm 618 reaching the maximum value triggers the clutch toconnect, and the minimum displacement of flywheel arm 618 triggers theclutch to disconnect.

FIG. 14 shows graph 1400, which plots when the turbine of FIGS. 10 and11A charges and discharges. Graph 1400 may include time axis 1204, loadregion 1402, and discharge region 1404. In other embodiments, the systemassociated with graph 1400 may not have all of the features listed aboveor may have other features instead of and/or in addition to those listedabove.

Time axis 1204 was discussed in FIG. 12 above. Graph 1400 is a graph ofwhen the turbine of FIGS. 10 and 11A charge and discharge indisconnected region 1302 and connected region 1304, respectively. Graphs1200 and 1400 are lined up, so that the time axis of both graphs arelined up, and so that points that are horizontally above one anotherrepresent the same value of time. As illustrated in FIG. 14 , when theangular velocity of turbine 600 reaches the maximum value, the reachingof the maximum velocity, triggers the clutch (of FIGS. 8 and 9 ) toconnect, which in turn causes the turbine to charge and the minimumvelocity triggers the clutch to disconnect, which in turn causes theturbine to discharge.

FIG. 15 shows graph 1500, which plots when the turbine of FIGS. 10 and11A stores and dissipates energy. Graph 1500 may include displacementaxis 1202, time axis 1204, energy axis 1206, plot 121, angular velocityaxis 1502, and plot 1504. In other embodiments, the system associatedwith graph 1500 may not have all of the features listed above or mayhave other features instead of and/or in addition to those listed above.

Displacement axis 1202, time axis 1204, energy axis 1206 were discussedin FIG. 12 above. Graph 1500 is a graph of when the turbine of FIGS. 10and 11A charge and discharge. Angular velocity axis 1502 indicates theangular velocity of turbine shaft 601. Points higher up on angularvelocity axis 1502 represent higher values of angular velocity. Plot1504 is a plot of the storage and dissipation of energy of the turbine.Plot 1504 and 1212 are superimposed to illustrate the relationshipbetween the control flywheel when the clutch and flywheel control arenot attached to the when the clutch and control flywheel are attached.The superimposing of the plots 1504 and 1212 also illustrates therelationship between the control flywheel (FIGS. 6 and 7 ) to thestorage of energy and the flywheel being controller (FIGS. 10 and 11A).As can be seen by comparing plots 1504 and 1212, as the rotationalvelocity increases, initially, the storage of energy, the displacementof both flywheels and the angular velocity increase. The increase indisplacement of the control flywheel or of a flywheel without hysteresisstarts may lag the increase of displacement of the flywheel beingcontrolled, because flywheel being controlled needs to work against theratcheting mechanism. Similarly, the displacement of the flywheel beingcontrolled may increase in a series of small steps as a result of theratcheting instead of increasing smoothly and linearly.

Prior to the control flywheel reaching its maximum displacement, theratcheting system prevents the moment of inertia from decreasing, andthe energy stored will not decrease as long as the fluid flow does notdecrease. As the displacement of the flywheel being controlled increase,the displacement is not allowed to decrease until the rotationalvelocity decreases below a threshold level, at which time thedisplacement of the flywheel being controlled has a sudden drop in thedisplacement. As shown by the sharp drop in the displacement plotted byplot 1504. The threshold level of rotational velocity may be whenturbine shaft 601 completely stops rotating or may be when turbine shaft601 is rotating relatively slowly, as illustrated by plot 1504.

Although FIGS. 6 and 7 have a cavity in which the weights may be storedand FIGS. 10 and 11 have weights that hug turbine shaft 601 rather thanbeing located within the cavity, the choice of depicting the assembly ofFIGS. 6 and 7 as having a cavity of the assembly of FIGS. 10 and 11 nothaving a cavity, was just to illustrate both types of embodiments,either of the assemblies of FIGS. 6 and 7 and FIGS. 10 and 11 could havecavities in turbine shaft 601 and/or have weights that hug turbine shaft601 in locations on turbine shaft 601 that do not have cavities.

Dual Flywheels

FIG. 16A shows an embodiment of assembly 1600. Assembly 1600 may includeshaft 1602, flywheels 1604 and 1606. In other embodiments, the assembly1600 may not have all of the features listed above or may have otherfeatures instead of and/or in addition to those listed above.

Assembly 1600 is an assembly in which two flywheels are connected to aturbine shaft. Turbine shaft 1602 is the turbine shaft to which theflywheels are connected. Flywheel 1604 may be oriented at 90 degreeswith respect flywheel 1606 and flywheels 1604 and 1606 may operateindependently of one another. In the embodiments of FIG. 16 , flywheel1604 and 1606 may have the same structures (other than being oriented at90° to one another). By placing flywheels 1604 and 1606 at 90 degrees toone another the masses of the flywheels 1604 and 1606 tend to be moreevenly distributed about turbine shaft 1602 than were flywheel 1604 and1606 placed parallel to one another. In an embodiment, flywheels 1604and 1606 are the same size, which also helps keep an even distributionof mass about the shaft 1602. In another embodiment, flywheel 1604 and1606 are linked together so that the displacement of each flywheel isthe same. In another embodiment, flywheel 1604 and 1606 are related toone another as a control flywheel (e.g., similar to the flywheel ofFIGS. 6 and 7 ) and a flywheel being controlled by the control flywheel(e.g., similar to the flywheel of FIGS. 10 and 11A).

Although flywheels 1604 and 1606 of FIG. 16A are illustrated as beinglocated in places of turbine shaft 601 that does not have cavities,either or both of flywheels 1604 and/or 1606 may have weights that restin cavities of turbine shaft 601 when the shaft is stationary or notspinning fast enough so that the centrifugal force the springs holdingthe weights in or on turbine shaft 601. Although flywheels 1604 and 1606are pivotally mounted to the side of turbine shaft 601, flywheels 1604and 1606 could be mounted within turbine shaft 1602.

Covered Flywheel

FIG. 16B shows an embodiment of assembly 1650 in which the flywheel iscovered. Assembly 1650 may include cover 1652, which may includecylindrical wall 1654, first circular wall 1656 and second circular wall1658. Assembly 1650 may also include a turbine shaft having first end1670 and second end 1672. In other embodiments, the assembly 1650 maynot have all of the features listed above or may have other featuresinstead of and/or in addition to those listed above.

Assembly 1650 may house the flywheels of FIG. 16A or another set of oneor more flywheels. Cover 1652, via cylindrical wall 1654, first circularwall 1656 and second circular wall 1658, may enclose one or moreflywheels. Cover 1652 may protect the enclosed flywheels from debris andmay provide a more aero dynamic exterior, so that the presence of theflywheel does not create as much air resistance as were cover 1652 notpresent. Cover 1652 may be constructed from a sturdy light weightmaterial, such as aluminum or plastic. First end 1670 and second end1672 may be portions of the shaft that stick out of cover 1652. In anembodiment, the flywheels are mounted on the shaft within cover 1652. Inanother embodiment, the flywheels may be mounted elsewhere and/or theremay not be a shaft within cover 1652.

Tables

FIG. 17A shows table 1700 of rotational kinetic energies, which showsthe change in energy as the rotational velocity increases, but with aconstant flywheel displacement. Table 1700 includes mass row 1702,radius row 1704, velocity row 1706, energy row 1708, and change inenergy row 1710. In other embodiments, the system associated with table1700 may not have all of the features listed above or may have otherfeatures instead of and/or in addition to those listed above.

Mass row 1702 shows the mass of the turbine, which is kept constant.Radius 1704 shows the effective radius of the flywheel, which is thedisplacement of the center of mass of the each arm of the flywheel fromthe center of the turbine shaft. Velocity row shows the rotationalvelocity of the turbine shaft, which is increased by 10 revolutions perminute in each column. Energy row 1708 shows the rotational kineticenergy that results as the rotational velocity is increased. Change inenergy row 1710 shows the change in rotational energy, which resultsfrom the change in rotational velocity.

FIG. 17B shows table 1750 of rotational kinetic energies, which showsthe change in energy as the rotational velocity increases with achanging flywheel displacement. Table 1750 includes mass row 1752,radius row 1754, velocity row 1756, energy row 1758, and change inenergy row 1760. In other embodiments, the system associated with table1750 may not have all of the features listed above or may have otherfeatures instead of and/or in addition to those listed above.

Mass row 1752 shows the mass of the turbine, which is kept constant, andis the same as in mass row 1702. Radius 1754 shows the effective radiusof the flywheel, which is the displacement of the center of mass of theeach arm of the flywheel from the center of the turbine shaft, which isincreased one inch in each column. Velocity row 1756 shows therotational velocity of the turbine shaft, which is increased by 10revolutions per minute in each column, as in velocity row 1706 (FIG.17B). Energy row 1708 shows the rotational energy that results as therotational velocity is increased. Change in energy row 1710 shows thechange in rotational energy that results from the change in rotationalvelocity.

FIG. 18 shows table 1800 of power densities of various configurations ofturbines, which includes air speed column 1802, density column 1804,velocity column 1806 and power density column 1808. In otherembodiments, the system associated with table 1800 may not have all ofthe features listed above or may have other features instead of and/orin addition to those listed above.

Table 1800 shows the computation of the power density output from aturbine at various wind speeds. Air speed column 1802 lists the airspeed S for which the power density is computed.

Density column 1804 lists the product of ½ times the density of air at60 degrees, which is 1.225 Kg/m³, times a the cube conversion factor,C=0.44704, for converting the cube of the velocity from (miles/hour)³ to(meters/second)³, which is given by C³=0.44704³=0.08933194. Stateddifferently, the number in the density column 1802 is computed by(½)ρC³=(½)(1.225)0.44704³=0.05472. Velocity column 1806 has the samevalue as speed column 1802.

Power density of column 1808 is given by the value P/A=(½)ρS³. However,since the air speed is in miles per hour instead of in meters persecond, when the conversion factor is included in the formula theformula for power density column 1808 is P/A=(½)ρ(CS)³.

The power density formula can be derived as follows. The formula for thekinetic energy of wind is given by (½) mS², where m is the mass of theair swept by rotor blades having area A during a given time t. Sincepower is the time derivative of the energy with respect to time, thewind power is given by P=dE/dt=(½) (dm/dt)S².

If the air has density p, the formula for mass m is given by m=ρASt, andat constant velocity and density, the rate of air flow is given bydm/dt=ρAS. Consequently, the power of the wind P=(½)(ρAS)S²=(½)ρAS³(which may be given in units of watts).

The power density (or power per unit area through which the air flows)is given by P/A=(½)ρS³, which is the rate at which energy passes througha unit of area (which may be given in watts per square meter W/m²).

A centrifugal flywheel on a flow turbine with a load may progressivelyincrease the effective radius to limit the maximum rotational velocitywith increasing input flow, which can be expected from wind turbinesduring storms, etc., and which may otherwise exceed the maximum turbinelimits and be damaged by high rotational velocity (which may be given inunits of rpm) if not properly shutdown or braked.

FIG. 19 shows a table 1900 of power density output of various turbineconfigurations. Table 1900 may include velocity column 1902, powerdensity column 1904 shows the power density, efficiency column 1906, andcolumns 1908-1922. In other embodiments, table 1900 may includeadditional elements and/or may not include all of the components listedabove.

Velocity column 1902 shows the velocity of the wind. Power densitycolumn 1904 shows the power density at each velocity. Efficiency column1906 shows the efficiency of the turbine at the wind velocity ofvelocity column 1902 and power density of power density column 1904.Columns 1908-1922 list the power at each wind speed of velocity 1902 fordifferent distances of the weight from the shaft. Column 1908 listspower outputs for a distance of 1 meter. Column 1910 lists power outputsfor a distance of 1.5 meter.

In an embodiment, the centrifugal flywheel may be located on a motordriven energy storage device. The flywheel may store increasing amountsof energy as rotational kinetic energy (up until a limit, which isdetermined by the terminal velocity corresponding to the current windspeed).

In an embodiment, a smart controller with a motor or hydraulic drivenflywheel, any of the centrifugal flywheel features could be controlledin a similar or improved method. In an embodiment, a smart controllerwith a motor or hydraulic driven flywheel, a flywheel with no load canstore progressively more energy with a constant power input, startingwith a small radius flywheel and ending with a large radius flywheelintegrated over time. An analogy is that a very big flywheel could notget started revolving with a small motor or small energy source. But asmall flywheel (small radius mass) could start revolving with a smallenergy input. Then with a constant small input power, a small flywheelafter starting revolving at an initial rotational velocity can nowincrease the flywheel radius at a nearly constant rotational velocity tostore more kinetic energy in the next time interval. This progressivelyincreasing stored energy can continue to some limit in drag. So, withlow drag and a constant low input power, the kinetic energy may increaseat least somewhat with time as the radius is increased.

Method of Operation

FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 2000 foroperating the invention of FIGS. 6-11B. In step 2002 the turbine shaft601 rotates in response to fluid flowing above a first threshold. Instep 2004, a first set of weights 608 extends away from the shaft 601.In step 2006, the clutch arm 802 or 1004 is pulled by the weights 608retracting into the turbine shaft 601. In step 2008, when the clutch armis pushed back within a second threshold, the clutch 1012 is pulled out.In step 2008, in response to pushing the clutch 1012, a gear 1017 isreleased, which allows a second weight 1018 to retract. In step 2014, asthe velocity decreases, the first mass 618 retracts, and no longer pullson the clutch arm 802 or 1004, allowing the second set of weights 1018to retract. In step 2014, in response, to the first weight 618retracting, the clutch 1012 engages. In step 2016, as the second andfirst set of weights 1018 retracts, the clutch 1012 slides past theteeth 1014.

In an embodiment, each of the steps of method 2000 is a distinct step.In another embodiment, although depicted as distinct steps in FIG. 20 ,step 2002-2016 may not be distinct steps. In other embodiments, method2000 may not have all of the above steps and/or may have other steps inaddition to or instead of those listed above. In particular the order inwhich the steps are implemented depends on the sequence of the windvelocities. The steps of method 2000 may be performed in another order.Subsets of the steps listed above as part of method 2000 may be used toform their own method.

Method of Making

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of an embodiment of method 2100 of making theassembly of FIGS. 6-11B. In step 2102, turbine shaft 601 is constructed.Turbine shaft may be hollow or solid. If turbine shaft 601 (FIGS. 6 and7 ) is hollow, step 2102 may include, constructing a core and supportsthat support the core with in turbine shaft 601. Additionally step 2102may include attaching the supports to the core and attaching the shellof the shaft to the supports. Step 2102 may include forming flywheelcavities 610 within turbine shaft 601 for storing weights 608 (FIGS. 6and 7 ). Step 2104 may include forming the turbine blades 112 (FIG. 1 )and attaching the turbine blades to the turbine shaft 601.

Step 2106 may include forming and attaching return springs 612 (FIGS. 6and 7 ) to the turbine shaft 601. In step 2107, flywheel arms 608 may beformed. Weights may be formed and attached to flywheel arms 608 (FIGS. 6and 7 ) (which is a first of two flywheel arms. Step 2108 may includepivotably attaching flywheel arm 618 to turbine shaft 601 by (forexample) attaching a pivot bearing to the first flywheel arm 618 andattaching flywheel arm 618 to return springs 612. Step 2110 may includeattaching one end of a lever 604 (FIGS. 6 and 7 ) to flywheel arm 618and/or to the pivot bearing. Step 2112 may include pivotally attachingone end of a velocity control arm 606 or 812 (FIGS. 6 and 7 or 8 and 9), which may include attaching control arm 606 or 812 to a pivot bearingand attaching the pivot bearing to the other end of lever 604.

Step 2114 may include attaching a cam 806 (FIGS. 8 and 9 ) to a firstend of a lever 808. Step 2116 may include pivotably mounting lever 808on the turbine shaft 601, which may include mounting a pivot bearing tothe turbine shaft 601 (FIGS. 6 and 7 ) and the second lever (e.g., lever808). Step 2116 may include attaching the other end of the control arm606 or 812 to the other end of second lever (e.g., lever 808), which mayinclude attaching a pivot bearing to both the control arm and secondlever (e.g., lever 808). In step 2118, a two-position lever 804 ispivotally attached to turbine shaft 601, which may include attaching apivot bearing to the turbine shaft 601 and to the two-position lever804. The two-position lever 804 being shaped and mounted so that as thesecond lever (e.g., lever 808) rotates the cam 806 pushes thetwo-position lever 804 to another position. In step 2120, a spring 810is formed and attached to the two-position lever 804 and turbine shaft601, so as to pull the two-position lever 804 into one of two-positions.One end of the spring 810 may be attached to one end of the two-positionlever 804 on one side of a pivot point of the two-position lever 804 andthe other end of the spring 810 may be attached to a portion of turbineshaft 601 on another side of the pivot point of the two-position lever804. In step 2122, a second control arm 802 is pivotably attached to oneend of the two-position lever 804. The second control arm 802 extendsaway from the two-position lever 804 in the opposite direction as thefirst control arm 606 or 812.

In step 2124, a trigger housing 802 or 1004 is constructed leaving oneend open to inserting the rolling trigger 1010 and a spring 1007. Anopening in also left in a portion of the opposite end, so as to allowthe clutch pin 1012 to stick out. In step 2126, the rolling trigger 1010is constructed with wheels or bearings 1008 a-c for rolling within thetrigger housing 1006. In step 2128, the clutch pin 1012 is formed andattached to one end of the rolling trigger 1010 and a flexible cord 1005is attached to the other end of the rolling trigger 1010. In step 2140,the rolling trigger 1010 and spring 1007 are inserted into the triggerhousing 1006 with the trigger pin 1012 sticking out of one end of thetrigger housing 1006 and the flexible cord 1005 sticking out of theother end. In step 2142, the trigger housing 1006 is closed so as tohold the spring 1007 and rolling trigger 1010 within the trigger housing1010, while allowing the clutch pin 1012 and cord 1005 to stick out ofopposite ends and slide in and out of the trigger housing 1006 withoutbeing hindered by the trigger housing 1006. In step 2144, a flywheel armis mounted to a gear and weights 1018 are mounted on the flywheel arm.In step 2146, a gear 1017 is attached to turbine shaft 601 on the sameside of the trigger housing 1006 as the clutch pin 1012. The gear 1017is placed at a distance from the trigger housing 1006 so that when thespring 1007 is in its relatively uncompressed position, the clutch pin1012 engages the teeth 1014 and stops the gear 1017 from rotating. Whenthe spring 1007 is in the compressed position, the clutch pin 1012disengages from the gear teeth 1014 allowing the gear 1017 to rotatefreely in one direction. In an embodiment, all of the components areperformed prior to assembling any of the components. Although in theabove example, the gears, levers and springs are attached to theexterior of turbine shaft 601, the clutch components, the gears, levers,and springs could be located within turbine shaft 601.

In an embodiment, each of the steps of method 2100 is a distinct step.In another embodiment, although depicted as distinct steps in FIG. 21 ,step 2102-2148 may not be distinct steps. In other embodiments, method2100 may not have all of the above steps and/or may have other steps inaddition to or instead of those listed above. The steps of method 2100may be performed in another order. In fact, although component needs tobe formed prior to being attached, the attaching and mounting stepscould be performed in nearly any order. Subsets of the steps listedabove as part of method 2100 may be used to form their own method.

In general, at the beginning of the discussion of each of FIGS. 22-25 isa brief description of each element, which may have no more than thename of each of the elements in the particular figure that is beingdiscussed. After the brief description of each element, each element ofFIGS. 22-27 is further discussed in numerical order. In general, each ofFIGS. 22-27 is discussed in numerical order, and the elements withinFIGS. 22-27 are also usually discussed in numerical order to facilitateeasily locating the discussion of a particular element. Nonetheless,there is not necessarily any one location where all of the informationof any element of FIGS. 22-27 is located. Unique information about anyparticular element or any other aspect of any of FIGS. 22-27 may befound in, or implied by, any part of the specification.

FIG. 22 shows a diagram of an embodiment of pulsed system 2200. Pulsedsystem 2200 includes electrical load 2202, converter 2204, clutch 2206,clutch control 2207, speed sensor 2208, wiring 2209, rotational mass2210, shaft 2211 having first shaft segment 2211 a and second shaftsegment 2211 b, and turbine 2212. In other embodiments, pulsed energytransfer system 2200 may not have all of the components listed above ormay have other components instead of and/or in addition to those listedabove.

Pulsed system 2200 may convert the energy of the flow of a fluid (e.g.,air, water, gas) into electrical energy. Pulsed system 2200 may becapable of converting fluid flow into electricity in conditions wherethe flow rate of a fluid is too low for converting fluid flow intoelectricity without pulsed system 2200, by pulsing (e.g., periodicallyengaging and disengaging) an energy converter so that the energyconverter converts the energy only during certain periods of time, whichmay be brief in duration and may occur frequently in succession and maybe continuous. In an embodiment, pulsed system 2200 may store rotationalenergy at low-flow conditions while disconnected from an electricalload, and then be connected to transfer energy to an electrical load. Inthe specification, the term “low-flow” refers to conditions wherein theflow of moving fluid is insufficient for overcoming resistive force,such as static and kinetic friction, drag on the turbine blades, andresistive forces resulting from Lenz's law and from electrical load2202. Consequently, in such conditions the components are unable togenerate mechanical energy efficiently or at all. Further, the term“hi-flow” refers to conditions wherein the flow of moving fluid issufficient for overcoming the static friction and drag acting on thecomponents, and in which the components are able to generatingmechanical energy.

Electrical load 2202 may represent a consumption of power associatedwith devices or structures that receive electrical energy from pulsedenergy transfer system 2200. For example, electrical load 2202 may beone or more electrical appliances, a series of batteries that receiveand store energy for future use, a home wired to receive generatedenergy, or a portion of an electrical grid that transmits power togeneral consumers.

Energy converter 2204 may convert mechanical energy into electricalenergy and transfer the electrical energy to electrical load 2202. Forexample, energy converter 2204 may be a generator, alternator, inverter,or combination thereof. In an embodiment, energy converter 2204 mayreceive kinetic energy generated by the rotation of a fan, turbine orother device capable of producing mechanical energy from the flow ofmoving fluids. Energy converter 2204 may convert received energy intoelectrical energy, and transfer the electrical energy to electrical load2202. In another embodiment, energy converter 2204 may receive and carryout instructions from an external device for connecting to ordisconnecting from electrical load 2202.

Clutch 2206 may engage or disengage to allow or disallow thetransmission of rotational energy between segments of a rotatable shaft.In an embodiment, clutch 2206 may join a segment of a rotatable shaftconnected to a device for generating mechanical energy (e.g., a turbine)to a segment of rotatable shaft connected to a device for convertingmechanical energy into electrical energy (e.g., energy converter 2204)at a slower speed in a manner such that a plot of energy verses energyoutput may exhibit a hysteresis. In an embodiment, clutch 2206 may be anautomatically operating centrifugal clutch. For example, as the segmentof the rotatable shaft connected to clutch 2206 increases in rotationsper minute, weighted arms within clutch 2206 may extend outward, causingclutch 2206 to engage and join the segments of the rotatable shaft. As aresult of the engaging of clutch 2206, the amount of torque required toturn the rotatable shaft increases, and in low-flow conditions there maynot be enough energy in the rotating turbine to sustain the continuedrotation of the rotatable shaft, which may cause the rotatable shaft toslow its rate of rotation. The weighted arms may be mechanically biased(e.g. spring biased) to move inwards. Consequently, the slowing of therate of rotation may cause clutch 2206 to disengage (e.g., as a resultof the weighted arms moving inwards) causing the segments of therotatable shaft to separate.

Optional clutch control 2207 may receive a signal from a device thatdetects the rotational speed of the shaft, and engage or disengageclutch 2206 based on the signal. Clutch control 2207 may be capable ofevaluating other signals relevant to the performance of pulsed system2200. Optionally, clutch 2206 may engage when the turbine speed is abovea first threshold and disengage when the turbine speed is below a secondthreshold that is lower than the first threshold.

Speed sensor 2208 may detect the rotational speed (e.g. Rotations PerMinute) of a rotatable shaft, and send a signal to clutch 2206 or clutchcontrol 2207 to engage or disengage clutch 2206 based on the detectedspeed. In an embodiment, speed sensor 2208 may be a tachometer. In anembodiment, speed sensor 2208 may be communicatively wired to sendelectrical or mechanical signals to clutch 2206 or clutch control 2207.Speed sensor 2208 may be capable of determining a speed at whichengaging or disengaging clutch control 2206 is preferable. For example,pulsed system 2200 may provide an optimized method of energy transferbased on the amount of rotation of a fan and/or rotatable shaft detectedby speed sensor 2208. The energy transfer method may include, ondetecting conditions wherein the flow of moving fluid received by pulsedsystem 2200 is low, uncoupling (e.g., disengaging) clutch 2206. As aresult of the uncoupling, the resistive load forces are less and theability of the available flow to overcome resistive forces and generaterotational energy increases. Further, as the generation of rotationalenergy increases, energy is stored until speed sensor 2208 detects anamount of rotation that can transfer energy to energy converter 2204.

Wiring 2209 may carry an electrical or mechanical signal from speedsensor 2208 to clutch 2206 and/or clutch control 2207 for causing clutch2206 to be engaged or disengaged.

Rotational mass 2210 may be a weight loaded onto a rotatable shaft forincreasing the angular momentum of the shaft. In an embodiment,rotational mass 2210 may act as an energy storage device for a rotatableshaft receiving mechanical energy from a turbine, or similar device. Asa result of the energy storage provided by rotational mass 2210 and theangular momentum of mass 2210, the rotation of the shaft may beprolonged beyond the amount that would be expected were rotational mass2210 not present. Consequently, more mechanical energy may be availablefor transfer to energy converter 2204.

Shaft 2211 may receive and transfer rotational energy. In an embodiment,shaft 2211 may have at least two segments, which includes at least afirst shaft segment 2211 a and second shaft portion 2211 b, thatconnects to a clutch and receives the rotational energy of a turbine orother device for making use of the flow of moving fluids, and a secondsegment that engages a different end of the clutch and (when clutch 2206is engaged) transfers the rotational energy to energy converter 2204.For example, clutch 2206 may engage and/or disengage first shaft segment2211 a to/from second shaft segment 2211 b. First shaft segment isattached to the turbine and rotates when turbine 2202 is rotated by theflow of fluid. Second shaft segment 2211 b is connected to energyconverter 2204, and rotating second shaft segment 2211 b may causeenergy converter 2204 to convert the rotational energy of second shaftsegment 2211 b into electrical energy. Thus, by connecting first shaftsegment 2211 a to second shaft segment 2211 b causes the energy in therotating turbine to rotate first shaft segment 2211 a, which in turnrotates second shaft segment 2211 b, which in turn causes energyconverter 2204 to convert the rotational energy into electrical energy.In contrast, when clutch 2206 disengages, although the turbine rotatesfirst shaft segment 2211 a, first shaft segment 2211 a does not rotatesecond shaft segment 2211 b (because first shaft segment 2211 a andsecond shaft segment 2211 b are not connected), and consequently energyconverter 2204 does not convert rotational energy into any other form ofenergy (because second shaft segment 2211 b is not rotating).

Turbine 2212 may receive the flow of a moving fluid (e.g., air, water,gas) to generate mechanical energy. In an embodiment, turbine 2212 maybe any of a plurality of bladed devices capable of utilizing the kineticenergy of a moving fluid.

Turbine 2212 may be connected to shaft 2211, via first shaft segment2211 a having rotational mass 2210. Consequently, turbine 2212 initiatesthe activity of pulsed system 2200. For example, a moving fluid causesthe blades of turbine 2212 to turn, the turning causing the rotation ofshaft 2211 which is measured by speed control 2206. As the rotationalspeed increases, clutch 2206 engages due to centrifugal force or thesignals transmitted by speed sensor 2206. Upon engaging, the rotationalenergy is received by energy converter 2204 and converted to electricalenergy. Energy converter 2204 sends electrical energy to electrical load2202. Energy converter 2204 creates drag on turbine 2212 and rotatingshaft 2211. As the drag increases the rotation slows until clutch 2206is caused to disengage, allowing turbine 2212 and rotation shaft 2211 torotate faster. The disengaging of clutch 2206 may decrease the amount oftorque needed for rotatable shaft 2211 to turn, and subsequently theamount of energy (e.g., flow of moving fluid) required for causing thesegment of rotatable shaft 2211 connected to turbine 2212 to rotate.Engaging clutch 2206 after the turbine is turning allows energyconverter 2204 to receive the rotational energy generated while clutch2206 was disengaged.

FIG. 23 shows a diagram of an embodiment of pulsed system 2300. Pulsedsystem 2300 includes electrical load 2202, converter 104, wiring 2209,rotational mass 2210, turbine 2212, power supply 2302, switch 2304,speed sensor 2308, and shaft 2311 having first shaft segment 2311 a andsecond shaft segment 2311 b. In other embodiments, pulsed generator 2300may not have all of the components listed above or may have othercomponents instead of and/or in addition to those listed above.

Electrical load 2202, converter 2204, wiring 2209, rotational mass 2210,and turbine 2212 were discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 22 .

Power supply 2302 may provide current for powering an electromagnetwithin energy converter 2204 that creates a magnetic field within energyconverter 2204, which coils attached to shaft 2311 rotate within togenerate electricity. In an embodiment, power supply 2302 may receiveelectricity from energy converter 2204, which may be converted into aform for generating an appropriate magnetic field. Switch 2304 allows ordisallows the flow of electricity from power supply 2202 to theelectromagnet of energy converter 2204. Speed sensor 2308 controls theon/off state of switch 2304 to determine whether electric converter 2204receives power from power supply 2302. In an embodiment, speed sensor2308 monitors the rotation of shaft 2311, deactivating switch 2304 whenthe rotations per minute are below a first threshold value, andactivating switch 2304 when the rotations per minute are above a secondthreshold value that is higher than the first threshold. Speed sensor2308 may be an embodiment of speed sensor 2208 (of FIG. 22 ) having awired connection to a switch for turning energy converter 2204 on oroff. Shaft 2311 is similar to shaft 2211, except that first shaftsegment 2311 a and second shaft segment 2311 b may be integrallyconnected to one another, whereas first shaft segment 2211 a and secondshaft segment 2211 b can be connected and disconnected to one another.

FIG. 24 shows a diagram of an embodiment of pulsed system 2400. Pulsedgenerator 2400 includes electrical load 2202, converter 2204, wiring2209, rotational mass 2210, turbine 2212, shaft 2311 having first shaftsegment 2311 a and second shaft segment 2311 b, switch 2404 and speedsensor 2408. In other embodiments, pulsed system 2400 may not have allof the components listed above or may have other components instead ofand/or in addition to those listed above.

Electrical load 2202, converter 2204, wiring 2209, rotational mass 2210,and turbine 2212 were discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 22 .Shaft 2311, first shaft segment 2311 a, second shaft segment 2311 b werediscussed in conjunction with FIG. 23 .

Switch 2404 allows or disallows the flow of electricity from energyconverter 2204 to electrical load 2202. Speed sensor 2408 may be anembodiment of speed sensor 2208 having a wired connection to a switchfor opening or closing an electrical connection between energy converter2204 and electrical load 2202. In an embodiment, speed sensor 2408 mayopen switch 2404 (disconnecting electrical load 2202) when a firstthreshold speed is detected, and close switch 2404 (connectingelectrical load 2202) when a second threshold speed is detected that ishigher than the first threshold speed. In an embodiment, electrical load2202 may be connected to and disconnected from an energy converterwithin system 2400 for enabling the usage, storage or transmission ofpower generated by pulsed system 2400. As a result of electrical load2202's consumption of power when connected to an energy transferringcomponent of system 2400, load impedance may increase and induce drag oncomponents of system 2400 (e.g., a fan or turbine). Consequently, whendisconnected from an energy transferring component of system 2400, thedrag on components of system 2400 decreases, allowing turbine 2212 tospin more freely and store energy.

FIG. 25 shows a diagram of an embodiment of flow condensing system 2500.Flow condensing system 2500 includes electrical load 2202, converter2204, clutch 2206, clutch control 2207, rotational mass 2210, shaft2211, turbine 2212, and condenser 2502. In other embodiments, flowcondensing generator 2500 may not have all of the components listedabove or may have other components instead of and/or in addition tothose listed above.

Electrical load 2202, converter 2204, clutch 2206, clutch control 2207,rotational mass 2210, shaft 2211, first shaft segment 2211 a, secondshaft segment 2211 b, and turbine 2212 were discussed above inconjunction with FIG. 22 .

Flow condensing system 2500 may direct moving fluid inwards againstturbine 2212 to increase the volume of fluid that flows through flowcondensing system 2500 for generating energy (as compared to systems nothaving any flow condensing). In an embodiment, flow condensing system2500 may direct more fluid towards turbine 2212 at a faster rate of flowthan would be expected without the flow condensing components of flowcondensing system 2500. Condenser 2502 may condense fluid flowingtowards turbine 2212. As the fluid flows through the narrow portion ofcondenser 2502, the rate of flow increases. In an embodiment, condenser2502 may have a funnel shape capable of increasing the volume of fluidsent to turbine 2212. Condenser 2502 has a funnel shape that has a wideopening facing oncoming fluid that is directed towards turbine 2212.Condenser 2502 narrows in a direction moving away (or down stream) fromthe opening towards the blades of turbine 2212, but stays the same widthonce the turbine blades are reached and either gets wider or stays thesame width once past (or down stream from) the turbine blade in thedirection of the fluid flow. In an embodiment, the inlet and outlet endsmay be reversed to flow in the other direction with no effect onoperation. The wide exit portion of condenser 2502 is optional.

Any of the embodiments of FIGS. 22-25 may be used together in anycombination to get different embodiments. For example, clutch 2206 andclutch control 2207 (which engages or disengages the shaft of thegenerator) may be used together with any of the embodiments of FIGS.23-25 . Switch 2304 for turning off the current in the electromagnet andswitch 2404 for electrically disconnecting the grid or anotherelectrical load may be included in the same embodiment, which in oneembodiment includes and in another embodiment does not includerotational mass 2210, and which may or may not include condenser 2502.In any of the embodiments in this specification, the electrical loadsand/or mechanical loads (e.g., grid 2202, energy converter 2204, and/ormass 2210), via switches 2304 or 2404, or clutch 2206 (e.g., via clutchcontrol 2207), may be engaged or disengaged periodically at regularintervals or at irregular intervals of time. In an embodiment theintervals of time may depend on the speed of the fluid. The thresholdsfor engaging and disengaging the various mechanical and/or electricalloads and/or turning on and off the magnetic field may be the same ordifferent from one another no matter which of the embodiments arecombined together or are not combined together. Also, any auxiliaryturbine (if any are present) may be constructed in the same fashion asany one of or any combination of the turbines of FIG. 22 . Thus, anyauxiliary turbine for supplying a current to the magnetic fieldgenerating coils may have its own set of thresholds. Similarly, anyauxiliary turbines (if any) may also have switches for engaging anddisengaging an electrical load (e.g., the current supplied by theauxiliary turbine to the magnetic field producing coils of a mainturbine) and/or the magnetic field coils of the auxiliary turbine.Additionally or alternatively, any auxiliary turbine may have a clutchfor engaging and disengaging a rotational mass on the shaft of theauxiliary turbine and/or two portions of the shaft of the auxiliaryturbine (engaging and disengaging the two portions of the shaft of theauxiliary turbine may engage and disengage the energy converter of theauxiliary turbine).

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of an example of a method 2600 of making a pulsedenergy generator.

In step 2602, a rotatable shaft is attached to a propeller to form aturbine.

Step 2602 may include forming the propeller to increase the propellersability to make use of the motion of a moving fluid. For example, thepropeller may be formed into the shape of a wing for enhancing the lifton the propeller caused by moving air. The rotatable shaft may be formedof materials known to minimize resistive forces acting on the rotatableshaft as it turns.

In optional step 2604, a device for loading and unloading a weightedmass onto and off of shaft 2211 may be installed. In optional step 2606,a weighted mass is loaded onto the rotating shaft.

In step 2608, speed sensor (such as speed sensor 2208, 2308 or 2408 ofFIGS. 22-24 ) is connected to the rotating shaft. Step 2608 may include,attaching the speed sensor to the rotatable shaft at a segment of theshaft containing a feature (e.g., a hole) for allowing speed sensor tomake measure the rotations of rotatable shaft 2211. For example, speedsensor may send a beam of light through a hole in rotatable shaft 2211,and determine the number of times the beam of light is broken over aperiod of time (e.g., 60 seconds).

In step 2610, optional clutch 2206 and/or optional clutch control 2207are connected to rotating shaft 2211. Step 2610 may include attaching aportion of the clutch to a segment of shaft 2211 joined to turbine 2212,and attaching a second portion of the clutch to a segment of the shaftjoined to energy converter 2204. As part of step 2610, the interlockingfunction of the portions of clutch 2206 may be tested.

In optional step 2612, wiring for sending a signal from speed sensor toclutch 106 and/or optional clutch control 2207 is installed. Step 2612may include attaching a wire capable of transmitting electrical currentto a connector on clutch control 2207 for receiving a current and speedsensor 2208 for sending a current. Optionally, the wiring may beattached directly to clutch 2206.

In optional step 2614, electrical switches for engaging clutch 2206 andcontrolling the transmission of energy to electrical grid 2202 areinstalled.

In step 2616 energy converter 2204 is installed.

In step 2618, shaft 2211 is connected to energy converter 2204. Step2618 may include moving a section of shaft 2211 having coils into aportion of energy converter 2204 capable of producing an electromagneticfield.

In optional step 2620, a secondary generator for powering theelectromagnetic field coils of energy converter 2204 is installed.

In step 2622, energy converter 2204 is connected to electrical load2202. Step 2622 may include wiring energy converter 2204 to directly orindirectly (e.g., via an electrical control switch) transmit electricalenergy to electric load 2202.

In an embodiment, each of the steps of method 2600 is a distinct step.In another embodiment, although depicted as distinct steps in FIG. 26 ,steps 2602-2622 may not be distinct steps. In other embodiments, method2600 may not have all of the above steps and/or may have other steps inaddition to or instead of those listed above. The steps of method 2600may be performed in another order. Subsets of the steps listed above aspart of method 2600 may be used to form their own method.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of an example of a method 2700 of using a pulsedsystem. In step 2702, the flow of a moving fluid is received at turbine2212. Step 2702 may include the generation of mechanical energy from theflow of the moving fluid.

In optional step 2704, the rotational speed of shaft 2211 is detected bya speed sensor, such as speed sensor 2208, 2308, 2408 or a similardevice for detecting rotational speed. If a mechanical clutch is usedthere may not be an actual determination of the speed of the turbine.

In step 2706, in an embodiment, the rotational speed of shaft 2211 iscompared to a first threshold value. If the rotational speed isinsufficient for engaging the clutch, the method returns to step 2702for generating mechanical energy or remains in step 2702. In the case ofan automatic mechanical clutch, the decision represented by step 2706 isnot expressly carried out. Instead, when the rotational speed isinsufficiently the centrifugal force is not high enough to cause theclutch to engage and so the clutch does not engage, and method 2700remains in step 2702. When the speed is above the first threshold value,as result of the decision of step 2706, the method continues to optionalstep 2707 or to step 2708 or 2710 if step 2707 is not present. In thecase of an automatic mechanical clutch, when the rotational speed issufficiently high the centrifugal force causes the clutch to engage,which brings method 2700 to optional step 2707 or to step 2708 or 2710if step 2707 is not present, without a decision expressly being made. Instep 2707, clutch 2206 engages shaft 2211, thereby engaging energyconverter 2204 after step 2707, method 2700 continues to step 2708.

In optional step 2708, a determination is made whether anelectromagnetic field generator for at least partially powering energyconverter 2204 is ready. When a desired electromagnetic field isgenerated (or reaches a certain strength), the method continues tooptional step 2710. If energy converter 2204 has an external powersource, if the generator uses permanent magnets, or if the coils thatproduce the magnetic field (e.g., the coils of the stator) are poweredby a secondary generator that uses a permanent magnet of producing themagnetic field, step 2708 may be unnecessary.

In optional step 2710, electrical load 2202 is connected to energyconverter 2204, causing the resistive forces of electrical load to acton the circuit having energy converter 2204 and turbine 2212.Additionally or alternatively, load 2210 is added to the shaft 2211(e.g., as a result of centrifugal force on a second clutch located inthe vicinity of load 2210 or a signal sent to a mechanical devicecontrol from a speed sensor that loads load 2210 onto shaft 2211).

In optional step 2712, the rotational speed of shaft 2211 is compared toa second threshold value, which causes a signal to be sent to disengageclutch 2206. Alternatively, the rotational speed of shaft 2211 may reacha velocity at which centrifugal forces (e.g., even with the areassistance of any frictional forces acting on the clutch arms that keepthe clutch arms extended and engaged) are insufficient to keep theautomatic clutch engaged. Optionally, the second threshold is lower thanthe first threshold. In another embodiment, the first threshold is thesame as the second threshold.

In step 2714, as a result of a rotational rate lower that the secondthreshold value, or too small to keep an automatic clutch engaged,electrical converter 104 is disconnected from shaft 2211 and turbine2212, significantly diminishing the resistive forces acting on shaft2211 and turbine 2212 (e.g., the electrical load and mechanical drag).Method 2700 then returns to the mechanical energy generation of step2702. When the rotational speed is above the second threshold value, orabove a velocity at which resistive forces are insufficient to cause anautomatic clutch to disengage, the method continues to step 2716. In thecase of an automatic clutch that is activated mechanically steps 2714and 2716 may not be two distinct steps and/or step 2714 may not be adistinct decision process. Alternatively, the rotational speed of shaft2211 may be measured and when send threshold is reached a signal is sentto disengage clutch 2206.

In step 2716, as a result rotational speed exceeding the secondthreshold value, or due to an amount of rotation great enough for anautomatic clutch to remain engaged, the rotational energy generated as aresult of steps 2702-2712 is transferred to energy converter 2204. Instep 2716, a segment of shaft 2211 having coils (e.g., the rotator) mayrotate within an electromagnetic field of energy converter 2204. As aresult of the spinning of coils within the magnetic field, an electricalcurrent may be generated in the rotator. Although in this specification,as an example, the stator coils generate the magnetic field and therotator coils moving in the magnetic field generate a current therotator coils may by powered to generate a magnetic field and theelectric current may be generated in the coils of the stator.

In step 2718, the spinning of the coiled segment of shaft 2211 withinthe electromagnet of energy converter 2204 (step 2716) creates anelectrical current.

In step 2720, the electrical energy generated by energy converter 2204is transferred to electrical load 2202. Step 2720 may include themaintaining of an optional electrical switch in a closed position forallowing the flow of electrical current from energy converter 2204 toelectrical load 2202. Alternatively, the transfer of electrical energyfrom energy converter 2204 to load 2202 may be an automatic process.Although listed as separate and distinct steps, each of steps 2716-2720may not be separate and distinct steps, but just different aspects ofwhat happens or simultaneous events that occur while a powered by aturbine generator is generating electricity, for example.

In an embodiment, each of the steps of method 2700 is a distinct step.In another embodiment, although depicted as distinct steps in FIG. 6 ,steps 2702-2720 may not be distinct steps. In other embodiments, method2700 may not have all of the above steps and/or may have other steps inaddition to or instead of those listed above. The steps of method 2700may be performed in another order. Subsets of the steps listed above aspart of method 2700 may be used to form their own method.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1

A system comprising a turbine for converting energy of a flowing mediuminto electrical energy, a load; the load having at least two states, ina first of the at least two states the load is engaged with the turbine,slowing the speed at which the turbine spins, and in a second of the atleast two states the load is disengaged from the turbine, the load beingconfigured such that the load engages the turbine at a first thresholdvalue, which is a turbine speed that is high enough to generate energyfor duration of time after the load engages, while the turbine slowsdown as a result of the load engaging, but that is not high enough forthe turbine to continue to generate energy with the load engaged, andthe load disengages from the turbine when the speed of the turbine isbelow a second threshold value, the second threshold value being lessthan the first threshold value; a controller that periodically engagesand disengages the load from a turbine at fixed intervals of time, whilethe fluid flows at a fixed speed; the time interval being dependent on afluid speed of the fluid.

Embodiment 2

The system of embodiment 1, or any of embodiments 1-48, the loadincludes a generator, and engaging the load engages the generator, thegenerator does not draw power to act as a motor while engaged with theturbine.

Embodiment 3

The system of embodiment 1, or any of embodiments 1-48, the loadincluding a mass, engaging the load engages the mass altering the momentof inertia of the turbine, such that the turbine spins slower.

Embodiment 4

The system of embodiment 1, or any of embodiments 1-48, the loadincluding at least an electrical load.

Embodiment 5

The system of embodiment 1, or any of embodiments 1-48, the loadincluding at least a mechanical load, the system further comprising aclutch that engages the load to the turbine as a result of centrifugalforce pulling arms of the clutch outwards during the first state.

Embodiment 6

The system of embodiment 5, or any of embodiments 1-48, load alsoincludes at least an electrical load further comprising: a switch thatis configured to electrically engage the electrical load while theturbine is spinning at a speed above a third threshold value as a resultof the switch being in a first state, the switch causes the electricalload to disengage from the turbine when the speed of the turbine isbelow a fourth threshold value, as result of the switch being in asecond state, the first state being different from the second state, andthe third threshold value being higher than the fourth threshold value.

Embodiment 7

The system of embodiment 5, or any of embodiments 1-48, the arms beinglocated on a first shaft each having a portion that engages a secondshaft, one of the first and second shaft is associated with the turbineand the other of the first and second shaft is associated with the load,such that when the arms engage the second shaft the load is engaged tothe turbine and when the arms disengage the second shaft the armsdisengage from the turbine; the portion each of the arms that engagesthe second shaft are stationary with respect to the arms to which theportions are attached.

Embodiment 8

The system of embodiment 1, or any of embodiments 1-48, furthercomprising: a speed sensor for determining the speed at which theturbine rotates; and a clutch, the speed sensor sending a signal to theclutch causing the clutch to place the load in one of the at least twostates.

Embodiment 9

The system of embodiment 1, or any of embodiments 1-48, furthercomprising a funnel, the turbine being located within the funnel, thefunnel having an opening at one end of the funnel that is wider thanother sections of the funnel, the funnel directing fluid towards theturbine, such that as the fluid travels towards the turbine within thefunnel, the fluid travels towards a portion of the funnel that isnarrower than the opening, the funnel being oriented about an axis thatis parallel to an axis of the turbine, the funnel having a preferreddirection for catching fluid, the preferred direction being parallel tothe axis, such that a greater amount of fluid is caught by the funnelwhen the fluid travels in the preferred direction than when the fluidtravels in another direction, fluid traveling in the preferred directionthat is caught by the funnel tends to travel through the funnel in thepreferred direction through the turbine and tends to power the turbine.

Embodiment 10

The system of embodiment 1, or any of embodiments 1-48, the turbinehaving blades that are constructed from a rigid material.

Embodiment 11

The system of embodiment 10, or any of embodiments 1-48, the electricalload engaging the turbine by at least the electrical load engaging agenerator that is engaged with the turbine.

Embodiment 12

A system comprising: a turbine for converting energy of a flowing mediuminto electrical energy; a load; and a mechanism that is configured toengage the load while the turbine is spinning, the load has at least twostates, in a first of the at least two states the load is engaged withthe turbine, slowing the speed at which the turbine spins, and then in asecond of the at least two states the load is disengaged from theturbine, the mechanism causes the load to disengage from the turbinewhen the speed of the turbine is below a threshold value; the loadincludes a generator, and engaging the load engages the generator; theturbine including at least blades mounted on a first shaft that rotates,such that as a fluid flows passed that blades of the turbine, the fluidcauses the blades to rotate; and as the blades rotate, the first shaftrotates with the blades, the generator including at least a statorhaving a stationary magnet that generates a magnetic field a secondshaft, a rotator connected to the second shaft, the rotator includes atleast coils of electrical wire, as the second shaft rotates, the rotatorrotates, which generates an electric current in the coils; and themechanism including at least a clutch for engaging the first shaft,which is connected to the turbine, to the second shaft, which isconnected to the generator; the system further comprising: a speedsensor for sensing the speed at which blades of the turbine rotate,signals from the speed indicating a speed at which the turbine rotates;and a controller for causing the clutch to engage and disengage, basedon the signals from speed sensor, which are received by the controller,the controller causing the clutch to engage the first shaft to thesecond shaft when the turbine spins at a speed above a first thresholdspeed, and the clutch to disengage when the turbine spins at a speedthat is below a second threshold speed that is below the first thresholdspeed; and the controller also periodically engages and disengages theload from a turbine at fixed intervals of time, while the fluid flows ata fixed speed; the time interval being dependent on a fluid speed of thefluid.

Embodiment 13

The system of embodiment 12, or any of embodiments 1-48, the loadincludes a mass, engaging the load engages the mass altering the momentof inertia of the turbine, such that the turbine spins slower.

Embodiment 14

The system of embodiment 12, or any of embodiments 1-48, furthercomprising: an electrical load; a switch communicatively coupled to theload for electrically connecting and disconnecting the load to thegenerator, based on the signals from the speed sensor, which arereceived by the switch, the switch causing the electrical load to beelectrically connected to the generator when the turbine spins at aspeed above a third threshold speed, and the load to be electricallydisconnected from the generator when the turbine spins at a speed belowa fourth threshold speed that is lower than the third threshold.

Embodiment 15

A system comprising: a turbine for converting energy of a flowing mediuminto electrical energy; a load; and a mechanism that is configured toengage the load while the turbine is spinning, the load has at least twostates, in a first of the at least two states the load is engaged withthe turbine, slowing the speed at which the turbine spins, and then in asecond of the at least two states the load is disengaged from theturbine, the mechanism causes the load to disengage from the turbinewhen the speed of the turbine is below a threshold value; the loadincluding at least an electrical load; the turbine including at leastblades attached to a shaft, such that as a fluid flows passed the bladesof the turbine, the blades rotate causing the shaft to rotate with theblades; the system further comprising a generator including at least astator having a stationary magnet that generates a magnetic field arotator coupled to the shaft, the rotator includes at least coils ofelectrical wire, as the shaft rotates, the rotator rotates, whichgenerates an electric current in the coils; and a speed sensor forsensing the speed at which blades of the turbine rotate, signals fromthe speed indicating a speed at which the turbine rotates; and a switchcommunicatively coupled to the load for electrically connecting anddisconnecting the load to the generator, based on the signals from thespeed sensor, which are received by the switch, the switch causing theload to be electrically connected to the generator when the turbinespins at a speed above a first threshold speed, and the load to beelectrically disconnected from the generator when the turbine spins at aspeed below a second threshold speed that is lower than the firstthreshold speed.

Embodiment 16

The system of embodiment 15, or any of embodiments 1-48, furthercomprising a mass that engages the shaft altering the moment of inertiaof the turbine, such that the turbine spins slower.

Embodiment 17

A method comprising: allowing a fluid to turn a turbine; periodicallyengaging and disengaging a load from the turbine at intervals of time;the time intervals being dependent on a fluid speed of the fluid, suchthat for a constant fluid speed the time intervals are equal to oneanother.

Embodiment 18

The method of embodiment 17, or any of embodiments 1-48, furthercomprising: determining that the fluid speed is sufficient to drive theturbine while the load is disengaged, and the fluid speed isinsufficient to keep the turbine turning while the load is engaged; andin response to the determining performing the periodically engaging anddisengaging.

Embodiment 19

The method of embodiment 17, or any of embodiments 1-48, theperiodically engaging and disengaging being performed by at leastengaging the load when the turbine speed is above a first threshold; anddisengaging the load when the turbine speed is below a second thresholdthat is lower than the first threshold.

Embodiment 20

The method of embodiment 17, or any of embodiments 1-48, the turbinehaving at least blades that rotate in response to a fluid passing by theblades, and a shaft that is connected to, and rotates with, the blades;the engaging includes at least moving a mass from a first position to asecond position in which the mass is engaged with a portion of a shaftso that the mass rotates with the shaft; and the disengaging includes atleast moving the mass from the second position to the first position sothat the mass does not rotate with the shaft.

Embodiment 21

A device comprising: a turbine shaft that is connected to a turbine,while in operation, the turbine shaft being driven by the turbine torotate at a same angular velocity as the turbine; a flywheel having anarm; a weight attached to the arm; the flywheel being always pivotallyattached to the turbine shaft, such that the arm spins with the turbineshaft, the arm having a range of motion, as the turbine shaft spins, thearm swings outward, increasing a displacement between the weight and theshaft, therein increasing a moment of inertia of a combination of thearm, weight, and turbine shaft; wherein when the arm of the flywheel ismaximally extended, the turbine is connected to the turbine shaft; amechanical bias biasing the arm to swing inwards, towards the shaft,therein biasing the arm to swing in a direction that reduces the momentof inertia of the combination of the arm, weight, and turbine shaft; thearm moving in response to changes in rotational velocity of the turbineshaft changing the moment of inertia throughout the range of motion ofthe arm.

Embodiment 22

A device comprising: a turbine shaft that is connected to a turbine,while in operation, the turbine shaft being driven by the turbine torotate at a same angular velocity as the turbine; an arm; a weightattached to the arm; the arm being always pivotally attached at a firstlocation to the turbine shaft while in operation, such that the armspins with the turbine shaft, as the turbine shaft spins, the arm swingsoutward, increasing a displacement between the weight and the shaft,therein increasing a moment of inertia of a combination of the arm,weight, and turbine shaft; the arm being a first arm, the weight being afirst weight, the device further including at least: a second arm, thesecond arm being located at a second location distance from the firstarm along a length of the shaft, the second location having a fixedorientation on the turbine shaft with respect to the first location; asecond weight attached to the second arm; the second arm being alwayspivotally attached to the turbine shaft while in operation, such thatthe second arm spins with the turbine shaft at the same angular velocityabout the axis of the turbine shaft, as the turbine shaft spins, thesecond arm swings outward, increasing a displacement between the secondweight and the shaft, therein increasing a moment of inertia of acombination of the first arm, second arm, first weight, second weight,and turbine shaft.

Embodiment 23

The device of embodiment 22, or any of embodiments of 1-48, the secondarm being attached to the turbine shaft such that the second arm isoriented perpendicular to the first arm.

Embodiment 24

A device comprising: a turbine shaft that is connected to a turbine,while in operation, the turbine shaft being driven by the turbine torotate at a same angular velocity as the turbine; an arm; a weightattached to the arm; the arm being pivotally attached to the turbineshaft while in operation, such that the arm spins with the turbineshaft, as the turbine shaft spins, the arm swings outward, increasing adisplacement between the weight and the shaft, therein increasing amoment of inertia of a combination of the arm, weight, and turbineshaft; the arm being a first arm, the weight being a first weight, thedevice further including at least: a second arm, the second arm beinglocated at a distance from the first arm along a length of the shaft; asecond weight attached to the second arm; the second arm being pivotallyattached to the turbine shaft while in operation, such that the secondarm spins with the turbine shaft at the same angular velocity about theaxis of the turbine shaft, as the turbine shaft spins, the second armswings outward, increasing a displacement between the second weight andthe shaft, therein increasing a moment of inertia of a combination ofthe first arm, second arm, first weight, second weight, and turbineshaft; the first arm and the first weight forming a first flywheel; thesecond arm and the second weight forming a second flywheel; the firstflywheel being linked to and controlling the second flywheel via alinkage.

Embodiment 25

A device comprising: a turbine shaft; a first arm; a first weightattached to the first arm; the first arm pivotally attached to theturbine shaft, such that the first arm spins with the turbine shaft, asthe turbine shaft spins, the first arm swings outward, increasing adisplacement between the first weight and the shaft, therein increasinga moment of inertia of a combination of the first arm, first weight, andturbine shaft; a second arm; a second weight attached to the second arm;the second arm pivotally attached to the turbine shaft, such that thesecond arm spins with the turbine shaft, as the turbine shaft spins, thesecond arm swings outward, increasing a displacement between the secondweight and the shaft, therein increasing a moment of inertia of acombination of the first arm, second arm, first weight, second weight,and turbine shaft; the first arm and the first weight forming a firstflywheel; the second arm and the second weight forming a secondflywheel; the first flywheel being linked to and controlling the secondflywheel via a linkage; and a pin preventing the second flywheel fromrotating in at least one direction while the pin is engaged.

Embodiment 26

The device of embodiment 25, or any of embodiments of 1-48, the firstflywheel pulling the pin in a particular direction disengaging the pinallowing the second flywheel to rotate in the at least one direction.

Embodiment 27

The device of embodiment 25, or any of embodiments of 1-48, the pinattached to a trigger having a portion located in a housing with wheelsfor rolling within the housing for engaging and disengaging the pin.

Embodiment 28

The device of embodiment 25, or any of embodiments of 1-48, the pinattached to a spring that pushes the pin to engage the second flywheel.

Embodiment 29

The device of embodiment 25, or any of embodiments of 1-48, the devicefurther comprising a control arm connected to the first flywheel, as thefirst flywheel swings out, the control arm being moved in a directionthat causes the pin to disengage if the control arm is moved past aparticular location.

Embodiment 30

The device of embodiment 29, or any of embodiments of 1-48, devicefurther comprising a clutch control, the control arm moving a lever thatswitches the clutch control from a first state to a second state.

Embodiment 31

The device of embodiment 30, or any of embodiments of 1-48, the controlarm being a first control arm, the device further comprising a secondcontrol arm connected to the clutch control and the pin, when the clutchcontrol is in the first state, the pin is mechanically biased to engagethe second flywheel, and when the clutch control is in the second statethe second control arm disengages the pin.

Embodiment 32

The device of embodiment 31, or any of embodiments of 1-48, the leverbeing a first lever, the device further comprising a second lever thatis connected to the second control arm, when the first lever moves pasta first location, the first lever pushes the second lever from a firstposition to a second position, that moves the second control arm.

Embodiment 33

The device of embodiment 32, or any of embodiments of 1-48, furthercomprising a spring that biases the second lever into the first positionwhen the second lever is within a first range of locations and biasesthe second lever into the second position when the second lever iswithin a second range of positions.

Embodiment 34

The device of embodiment 25, or any of embodiments of 1-48, furthercomprising a cover forming a housing that encloses the first flywheel.

Embodiment 35

The device of embodiment 25, or any of embodiments of 1-48, the firstarm having a third weight that is equal to the first weight and that isattached to a second end of the first arm.

Embodiment 36

The device of embodiment 35, or any of embodiments of 1-48, the firstweight being located on a first side of the shaft and the second weightbeing located on a second side of the shaft, such that as the armextends the first weight and the second weight extend equal distancesfrom the shaft.

Embodiment 37

The device of embodiment 35, or any of embodiments of 1-48, the firstweight being located on a first side of the shaft and the second weightbeing located on a second side of the shaft counter balancing the firstside.

Embodiment 38

A method comprising: allowing a turbine to rotate a turbine shaft thatis connected to the turbine, the turbine shaft rotating at a sameangular velocity of the turbine, when an arm of a flywheel is maximallyextended the turbine is connected to the turbine shaft; the centrifugalforce of the rotating turbine shaft causing an arm to swing out awayfrom the shaft, the arm being always pivotally attached to the turbineshaft while in operation; the arm swinging out further as the turbineshaft rotates faster increasing the centrifugal force; increasing adisplacement of a weight of the flywheel from the shaft as the armswings out, the weight being attached to the arm; and increasing amoment of inertia of the turbine as a result of the displacement of theweight, the swinging out of the arm affecting a rotational velocity ofthe turbine by predominantly affecting the moment of inertia andaffecting air resistance created by the flywheel.

Embodiment 39

A method comprising: allowing a turbine to rotate a turbine shaft thatis connected to the turbine, the turbine shaft rotating at a sameangular velocity of the turbine; the centrifugal force of the rotatingturbine shaft causing an arm to swing out away from the shaft, the armbeing always pivotally attached to the turbine shaft while in operation;the arm swinging out further as the turbine shaft rotates fasterincreasing the centrifugal force; increasing a displacement of a weightfrom the shaft as the arm swings out, the weight being attached to thearm; and increasing a moment of inertia of the turbine as a result ofthe displacement of the weight; wherein, the arm being a first arm, theweight being a first weight, the method further including at least: thecentrifugal force of the rotating turbine shaft causing a second arm toswing out away from the shaft, the second arm being always pivotallyattached to the turbine shaft while in operation, the second arm beinglocated at a distance from the first arm along a length of the shaft;the second arm swinging out further as the turbine shaft rotates fasterincreasing the centrifugal force; increasing a displacement of a secondweight from the shaft as the second arm swings out, the second weightbeing attached to the second arm; and increasing the moment of inertiaof the turbine as a result of the displacement of the second weight thesecond arm and the second weight affecting how fast the turbine rotatespredominantly by changing the moment of inertia of the turbine.

Embodiment 40

The method of embodiment 39, or any of embodiments of 1-48, the secondarm being attached to the turbine shaft such that the second arm has afixed orientation with respect to the first arm and the second arm isoriented perpendicular to the first arm.

Embodiment 41

A method comprising: allowing a turbine to rotate a turbine shaft thatis connected to the turbine, the turbine shaft rotating at a sameangular velocity of the turbine; a centrifugal force from rotating theturbine shaft causing an arm to swing out away from the shaft, the armbeing always pivotally attached to the turbine shaft while in operation;the arm swinging out further as the turbine shaft rotates fasterincreasing the centrifugal force; increasing a displacement of a weightfrom the shaft as the arm swings out, the weight being attached to thearm; and increasing a moment of inertia of the turbine as a result ofthe displacement of the weight; wherein, the arm being a first arm, theweight being a first weight, the method further including at least: thecentrifugal force from rotating the turbine shaft causing a second armto swing out away from the shaft, the second arm being always pivotallyattached to the turbine shaft while in operation, the second arm beinglocated at a distance from the first arm along a length of the shaft;the second arm swinging out further as the turbine shaft rotates fasterand as the centrifugal force increases; increasing a displacement of asecond weight from the shaft as the second arm swings out, the secondweight being attached to the second arm; and increasing the moment ofinertia of the turbine as a result of the displacement of the secondweight; the first arm and the first weight forming a first flywheel; thesecond arm and the second weight forming a second flywheel; the methodfurther including at least the first flywheel being linked to andcontrolling the second flywheel via a linkage.

Embodiment 42

A method comprising: allowing a turbine to rotate a turbine shaft;centrifugal force of rotating the turbine shaft causing a first arm toswing out away from the shaft; the first arm swinging out further as theturbine shaft rotates faster increasing the centrifugal force;increasing a displacement of a first weight from the shaft as the firstarm swings out, the first weight being attached to the first arm;increasing a moment of inertia of the turbine as a result of thedisplacement of the first weight; the centrifugal force of the rotatingof the turbine shaft causing a second arm to swing out away from theshaft; the second arm swinging out further as the turbine shaft rotatesfaster increasing the centrifugal force; increasing a displacement ofthe second weight from the shaft as the second arm swings out, thesecond weight being attached to the second arm; increasing the moment ofinertia of the turbine as a result of the displacement of the secondweight; the first arm and the first weight forming a first flywheel; thesecond arm and the second weight forming a second flywheel; the firstflywheel controlling the second flywheel; a pin engaging the secondflywheel, therein preventing the second flywheel from rotating in atleast one direction while the pin is engaged; and the second flywheelreleasing the pin.

Embodiment 43

The method of embodiment 42, or any of embodiments of 1-48, the methodfurther comprising: the first flywheel pulling the pin in a particulardirection disengaging the pin allowing the second flywheel to rotate inthe at least one direction.

Embodiment 44

A device comprising: a turbine shaft that is connected to a turbine; afirst arm; a first weight attached to the first arm; the first armpivotally attached to the turbine shaft, such that the first arm spinswith the turbine shaft, as the turbine shaft spins, the first arm swingsoutward, increasing a displacement between the first weight and theshaft, therein increasing a moment of inertia of a combination of thefirst arm, first weight, and turbine shaft; a second arm; a secondweight attached to the second arm; the second arm pivotally attached tothe turbine shaft, such that the second arm spins with the turbineshaft, as the turbine shaft spins, the second arm swings outward,increasing a displacement between the second weight and the shaft,therein increasing a moment of inertia of a combination of the firstarm, second arm, first weight, second weight, and turbine shaft; whereinthe first arm and the first weight form a first flywheel, and the secondarm and the second weight form a second flywheel, the first flywheelbeing linked to and controlling the second flywheel via a linkage.

Embodiment 45

The device of embodiment 44, or any of embodiments of 1-48, furthercomprising a clutch, via which the first arm controls the second arm,the clutch having two states, in a first of the two states, the clutchholds the second arm in place preventing the second arm from swingingoutwards, the clutch being mechanically biased to be in the first state;and in a second of the two states, the clutch releases the second armallowing the second arm to swing outwards, the clutch being coupled tothe first arm, such that when the first arm extends outwards, the firstarm causes the clutch to release the second arm; the first arm beingcoupled to the clutch, such that when the turbine spins at a rotationalvelocity that is above a predetermined threshold, the first arm swingsout and causes the clutch to switch from the first state to the secondstate.

Embodiment 46

A method comprising: allowing a turbine to rotate a turbine shaft; acentrifugal force from rotating the turbine shaft causing a first arm toswing out away from the turbine shaft; the first arm swinging outfurther as the turbine shaft rotates faster increasing the centrifugalforce; increasing a displacement of a first weight from the shaft as thefirst arm swings out, the first weight being attached to the first arm;increasing a moment of inertia of the turbine as a result of thedisplacement of the first weight; the centrifugal force from therotating of the turbine shaft causing a second arm to swing out awayfrom the shaft; the second arm swinging out further as the turbine shaftrotates faster increasing the centrifugal force; increasing adisplacement of the second weight from the shaft as the second armswings out, the second weight being attached to the second arm;increasing the moment of inertia of the turbine as a result of thedisplacement of the second weight; the first arm and the first weightforming a first flywheel; the second arm and the second weight forming asecond flywheel; the first flywheel controlling the second flywheel; apin engaging the second flywheel, therein preventing the second flywheelfrom rotating in at least one direction while the pin is engaged; andthe second flywheel releasing the pin; rotating the turbine shaft at arotational velocity that is below a threshold, causing the first arm toswing outwards increasing the moment of inertia of the turbine, whilethe second arm is held in place in an initial position with the secondarm; rotating the turbine shaft at a rotational velocity that is abovethe threshold, causing the first arm to swing further outwardsautomatically releasing the second arm, so that the centrifugal forcecauses the second arm to swing outwards further increasing the moment ofinertia of the turbine; and automatically reengaging the second arm andholding the second arm in place, when the second arm returns to theinitial position.

Embodiment 47

A device comprising: a turbine shaft that is connected to a turbine, theturbine shaft being driven by the turbine to rotate at a same angularvelocity of the turbine; an arm; a weight attached to the arm; the armbeing always pivotally attached to the turbine shaft while in operation,such that the arm spins with the turbine shaft, as the turbine shaftspins, the arm swings outward, increasing a displacement between theweight and the shaft, therein increasing a moment of inertia of acombination of the arm, weight, and turbine shaft; wherein, the armbeing oriented such that when the turbine shaft is not rotating the armis oriented parallel to a rotational axis of the turbine shaft and theweight is in contact with the shaft or the weight is within the shaft.

Embodiment 48

A device comprising: a turbine shaft that is connected to a turbine,while in operation, the turbine shaft being driven by the turbine torotate at a same angular velocity as the turbine; a flywheel having anarm; a weight attached to the arm; the flywheel being always pivotallyattached, by a pivot, to the turbine shaft, such that the arm spins withthe turbine shaft, such that as the turbine shaft spins, the arm swingsoutward, increasing a displacement between the weight and the shaft,therein increasing a moment of inertia of a combination of the arm,weight, and turbine shaft; wherein when the arm of the flywheel ismaximally extended, the turbine is connected to the turbine shaft; amechanical bias biasing the arm to swing inwards, towards the shaft,therein biasing the arm to swing in a direction that reduces the momentof inertia of the combination of the arm, weight, and turbine shaft; theflywheel being attached to the device only by the pivot and themechanical bias, the mechanical bias being attached only to the shaftand the flywheel.

In an embodiment, a system capable of converting fluid energy intoelectrical energy in conditions of low fluid flow is provided. In anembodiment, the system may engage and disengage an energy converter viaan automatic clutch. In an embodiment, the transmission of energy to anenergy converter is controlled by switching the energy converter on andoff. In another embodiment, the flow of electrical energy to anelectrical load is controlled by a switching device. In anotherembodiment, a funnel is used for condensing the flow of fluid movingthrough the system.

Other Extensions

Each embodiment disclosed herein may be used or otherwise combined withany of the other embodiments disclosed. Any element of any embodimentmay be used in any embodiment.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of theinvention. In addition, modifications may be made without departing fromthe essential teachings of the invention. Although the invention hasbeen described with reference to specific embodiments, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be madeand equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof withoutdeparting from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition,modifications may be made without departing from the essential teachingsof the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a turbine forconverting energy of a flowing medium into electrical energy, theturbine having blades, and a shaft that is rotated by the blades when afluid flows past the blades, the blades extending away from the shaft,perpendicularly to the shaft; a load including a mass and an electricalload, via which the turbine converts the energy into the electricalenergy; and a mechanism that is configured to engage the mass, via aclutch, while the turbine is spinning and engage the electrical load,the mechanism has at least two states, in a first of the at least twostates, the mass is engaged with the turbine, slowing a speed of theturbine to a speed at which the turbine spins, while the electrical loadis engaged to the turbine, and in a second of the at least two states,the mass is disengaged from the turbine, the mechanism causes the massto disengage, via the clutch, from the turbine when the speed of theturbine is below a first threshold value, therein causing the turbine tocontinue to spin, causing the turbine to spin faster than were the loadstill engaged, and the turbine storing energy as a result of continuingto spin, and the mechanism causes the mass to engage, via the clutch,the turbine when the speed of the turbine is above a second thresholdvalue that is different from the first threshold value.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, the electrical load comprising a generator, and engaging theload engages the generator.
 3. The system of claim 2, the turbinecomprising: at least blades mounted on a first shaft that rotates, suchthat as a fluid flows passed past the blades of the turbine, the fluidcauses the blades to rotate; and as the blades rotate, the first shaftrotates with the blades, the generator including at least a statorhaving a stationary magnet that generates a magnetic field; a secondshaft; a rotator connected to the second shaft, the rotator includes atleast coils of electrical wire, as the second shaft rotates, the rotatorrotates, which generates an electric current in the coils; and themechanism including at least a clutch for engaging the first shaft,which is connected to the turbine, to the second shaft, which isconnected to the generator; the system further comprising: a speedsensor for sensing the speed at which blades of the turbine rotate,signals from the speed sensor indicating a speed at which the turbinerotates; and a controller for causing the clutch to engage anddisengage, based on the signals from speed sensor, which are received bythe controller, the controller causing the clutch to engage the firstshaft to the second shaft when the turbine spins at a speed above afirst threshold speed, and the clutch to disengage when the turbinespins at a speed that is below a second threshold speed that is belowthe first threshold speed.
 4. The system of claim 3, the turbinecomprising a shaft, wherein the load includes engaging the mass,engaging the load engages the mass alters a moment of inertia of theturbine, such that the turbine spins slower.
 5. The system of claim 3further comprising: an electrical load; and a switch communicativelycoupled to the electrical load for electrically connecting anddisconnecting the electrical load from the generator, based on thesignals from the speed sensor, which are received by the switch, theswitch causing the electrical load to be electrically connected to thegenerator when the turbine spins at a speed above a third threshold, andthe electrical load to be electrically disconnected from the generatorwhen the turbine spins at a speed below a fourth threshold that is aspeed that is lower than the third threshold.
 6. The system of claim 1,the load includes a mass, wherein engaging the load engages the mass,altering a moment of inertia of the turbine, such that the turbine spinsslower.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a shaft, the massthat engages the shaft altering a moment of inertia of the turbine, suchthat the turbine spins slower.
 8. The system of claim 1, the mechanismcomprising at least a clutch that engages the electrical load as aresult of centrifugal force pulling arms of the clutch outwards.
 9. Thesystem of claim 1, the mechanism also causes the turbine to engage theelectrical load at a third threshold, the third threshold being a speedthat is higher than the fourth threshold at which the electrical load isdisengaged.
 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a speed sensorfor determining the speed at which the turbine rotates, the speed sensorsending a signal to the mechanism causing the mechanism to be in one ofthe at least two states.
 11. The system of claim 1 further comprising afunnel, the turbine being located within the funnel, the funnel havingan opening that is wider than other sections of the funnel, the funneldirecting the fluid towards the turbine, such that as the fluid travelstowards the turbine within the funnel, the fluid travels towards aportion of the funnel that is narrower than the opening.
 12. The systemof claim 1, the mechanism having a mode of operation in which themechanism causes a load to be disconnected while storing energy until athreshold amount of energy is stored; once the threshold amount ofenergy is stored, the mechanism causes the load to be connected todischarge the stored energy; and once the stored energy is discharged,the mechanism causes the load to be disconnected, to allow for storingenergy.
 13. A system comprising: a turbine for converting energy of aflowing medium into electrical energy; a load; and a mechanism that isconfigured to engage the load while the turbine is spinning, the loadhas at least two states, in a first of the at least two states, the loadis engaged with the turbine, slowing a speed at which the turbine spins,and in a second of the at least two states, the load is disengaged fromthe turbine, the mechanism causes the load to disengage from the turbinewhen the speed of the turbine is below a threshold value; and themechanism including a controller that periodically engages anddisengages the load from a turbine at fixed intervals of time; theintervals of time being dependent on a fluid speed of a fluid.
 14. Asystem comprising: a turbine for converting energy of a flowing mediuminto electrical energy; a load; and a mechanism that is configured toengage the load while the turbine is spinning, the load has at least twostates, in a first of the at least two states, the load is engaged withthe turbine, slowing a speed at which the turbine spins, and in a secondof the at least two states, the load is disengaged from the turbine, themechanism causes the load to disengage from the turbine when the speedof the turbine is below a threshold value; wherein, the load isperiodically engaged and disengaged from the turbine at fixed intervalsof time; the intervals of time being dependent on a fluid speed of theflowing medium.
 15. A system comprising: a turbine for converting energyof a flowing medium into electrical energy, the turbine having bladesthat are made from a material that is rigid, and a shaft that is rotatedby the blades when a fluid flows past the blades; a load including amass and an electrical load, via which the turbine converts the energyinto the electrical energy; and a mechanism that is configured to engagethe mass, via a clutch, while the turbine is spinning and engage theelectrical load, the mechanism has at least two states, in a first ofthe at least two states, the mass is engaged with the turbine, slowing aspeed of the turbine to a speed at which the turbine spins, while theelectrical load is engaged to the turbine, and in a second of the atleast two states, the mass is disengaged from the turbine, the mechanismcauses the mass to disengage, via the clutch, from the turbine when thespeed of the turbine is below a first threshold value, therein causingthe turbine to continue to spin faster than were the load still engaged,and continue to store energy, and causes the mass to engage, via theclutch, the turbine when the speed of the turbine is above a secondthreshold value that is different from the first threshold value.
 16. Asystem comprising: a turbine for converting energy of a flowing mediuminto electrical energy; a load including a mass and an electrical load,via which the turbine converts the energy into the electrical energy;and a mechanism that is configured to change a configuration of the masswith respect to the turbine, via a clutch, while the turbine is spinningand engaged with the electrical load, the mechanism has at least twomodes, in a first of the at least two modes, the mass is held in a firstconfiguration with respect to the turbine, in the first of the at leasttwo modes the turbine spins at a speed that is slower than were themechanism in the second mode, during the first of the at least twomodes, the electrical load is engaged to the turbine, the speed, and ina second of the at least two modes, the mass is placed in a secondconfiguration with respect to the turbine, during the first of the atleast two modes, the electrical load is engaged to the turbine, themechanism being configured to cause the mass to move, via the clutch,from the first configuration with respect to the turbine to the secondconfiguration with respect to the turbine, when the speed of the turbinefalls below a first threshold value, therein causing the turbine to spinfaster than were the mass still in the first configuration, thereindischarging energy stored while the mass was in the first configuration,and, and causes the mass to be placed, via the clutch, in the firstconfiguration with respect to the turbine when the speed of the turbinerises above a second threshold value that is different from the firstthreshold value.
 17. A method comprising: converting, by a turbine,energy of a flowing medium into electrical energy, the turbine includinga load including a mass and an electrical load, via which the turbineconverts the energy into the electrical energy; the converting includesat least two modes that occur while the turbine is spinning and theturbine is engaged with the electrical load, in a first of the at leasttwo modes, configuring the mass, via a clutch, to be in a firstconfiguration with respect to the turbine, causing a speed of theturbine to be a speed at which the turbine spins in the firstconfiguration, which is slower than were the mass in the firstconfiguration, the electrical load being engaged to the turbine in thefirst configuration, as a result of the mass being in the firstconfiguration with the electrical load engaged, storing energy whileproducing and transferring power, and in a second of the at least twomodes, while the electrical load is engaged, configuring the mass, viathe clutch, to be in a second configuration with respect to the turbine,when switching from the first configuration to the second configuration,outputting the energy stored during the first configuration, the masschanging configurations, via the clutch, from the first configuration tothe second configuration when the speed of the turbine is below a firstthreshold value, therein causing the turbine to continue to spin fasterthan were the load still in the first configuration, and the masschanging configurations, via the clutch, to the first configuration whenthe speed of the turbine rises above a second threshold value that isdifferent from the first threshold value.